Belle da Costa Greene

Librarian, bibliographer at Princeton

Belle da Costa Greene - Librarian, bibliographer at Princeton
Born

December 13th, 1883
141 years ago

Died

May 10th, 1950
75 years ago — 66 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

United States

Links & References

A prominent librarian and bibliographer, contributed significantly to the field of library science and the organization of rare book collections. Served as the first woman to be the director of the Princeton University Library from 1906 to 1948. Instrumental in the development of the library into a notable institution, and recognized for expertise in rare books and manuscripts.

Directed the Princeton University Library

Specialized in rare books and manuscripts

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