School of Library Economy

The "School of Library Economy" was the first institution in the United States dedicated to training librarians. Established in 1887 by Melvil Dewey, it was a pioneering effort in formalizing library education. This school evolved into graduate programs in library science, which later merged with information science due to technological advancements.12

The need for specialized training arose in the late 19th century as the volume of published materials increased, requiring librarians to possess organizational and administrative skills beyond just being well-read. Mary Salome Cutler Fairchild was a key figure in this development, serving as an instructor and later vice director of the New York State Library School, which grew from Dewey's original institution. These programs, often accredited by the American Library Association, prepare professionals for roles not only in libraries but also in the broader information industry.12