View source for Rutherford Library

{{Short description|Library at the University of Alberta}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2011}}
{{Infobox library
| library_name       = Rutherford Library
| image        = File:Rutherford Library UofA.JPG
| caption = West entrance to Rutherford Library
| type               = [[University of Alberta]] Library
| established        = May 15, 1951
| ref_legal_mandate  = 
| num_branches       = 
| items_collected    = 
| collection_size    = 
| criteria           = research publications
| legal_deposit      = 
| annual_circulation =  
| budget             = 
| director           =
| num_employees      = 
| website            = {{url|http://guides.library.ualberta.ca/|Rutherford library}}
}}  
{{Coord|53|31|28|N|113|31|28|W|display=title|region:CA_type:edu_source:dewiki}}

'''The Rutherford Humanities, Social Sciences + Education Library''' is the first free-standing [[University of Alberta]] library, opened May 15, 1951, and named after the founder of the university, and long-time chancellor, [[Alexander Cameron Rutherford]].

==Overview==
[[File:Rutherford_Library.jpg|border|left|thumb|Exterior of Rutherford Library, circa 1951Source: University of Alberta Archives]]
Rutherford Library was officially opened in a ceremony on May 15, 1951, in which former university president [[R.C. Wallace]] paid tribute to his former friend and colleague. The initial library inventory included most of [[Alexander Cameron Rutherford]]'s personal book collection, of over 8000 volumes, with some select books having been gifted to [[Queen's University at Kingston|Queen's University]].

==History==

The plans for Rutherford Library were drawn up from 1948 to 1951, and included features that would make the new library one of the best in Canada. Durable building materials were specified, including all oak trim and doors, combined with marble floors and staircases with brass railings. As there was no previous free-standing library on campus, for over 5000 students, other than a reading room arrangement, the addition was welcomed by students and staff alike, heralding a new era for the university.

===Rutherford North===

A new wing of the library was officially opened on September 27, 1974, by Mrs. Hazel McCuaig (Hazel Elizabeth Rutherford) and designated "Rutherford North".  The distinctive brickwork of Rutherford North was designed by the architectural firm of Minsos, Vaitkunas and Jamieson in conformance with the structure of the original Rutherford Library. The Rutherford North design encapsulates and encloses the north face of the original building in a large open space. The new brick motif of Rutherford North was named "Rutherford Autumn Leaf" and registered in the building industry.

==Partnerships and collaboration==
The University of Alberta Library is a member of the [[Association of Research Libraries]], [[Canadian Association of Research Libraries]], and is a contributor to the [[Open Content Alliance]].

==References==

* "A Gentleman of Strathcona – [[Alexander Cameron Rutherford]]", Douglas R. Babcock, 1989, The [[University of Calgary]] Press, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, {{ISBN|0-919813-65-8}}

==External links==
*[https://www.library.ualberta.ca/locations/rutherford Rutherford Library Location]

{{University of Alberta}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Libraries in Edmonton]]
[[Category:Research libraries in Canada]]
[[Category:Academic libraries in Canada]]
[[Category:University of Alberta buildings]]
[[Category:Library buildings completed in 1951]]
[[Category:University and college buildings completed in 1951]]
[[Category:1951 establishments in Alberta]]
[[Category:Libraries established in 1951]]