1877 Collection
The University of 911±¬ÁÏÍø was formally established by Act of Incorporation in 1874. Teaching commenced in 1876 in rented accommodation in the city before moving to custom-built rooms in the Morialta Chambers in Victoria Square.
The first published list of ‘Books belonging to the Library of the University of 911±¬ÁÏÍø' appeared in the 1878 University Calendar. The collection of 324 titles and some 500 volumes ranged in date from 1697 to 1877. It consisted primarily of English works, as well as a small quantity of German, French, Latin and Greek items.
Little money was available for the purchase of books. Only £150 was allocated to spend on the Library in 1876 - £30 for each of the selections of Professors Read, Davidson, Tate and Lamb, with the remaining £30 for general purchases.
The first library order for both new and second-hand books was placed with the London bookseller Henry S. King & Co. on 29 March 1875, through the South Australian Agent-General. Some nine months later, three cases arrived in Port 911±¬ÁÏÍø via the City of Nankin. Henry S. King & Co. offered a 15% discount on all new books and bound them in uniform sheepskin free of charge.<