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Ainsworth Rand Spofford

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Librarian of Congress (1825-1908)

United StatesJournalistsLived 1825 to 1908 · aged 82
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Ainsworth Rand Spofford was the sixth librarian of Congress. He oversaw the expansion of the Library of Congress (LOC) into a national library and placed it in charge of the national copyright system, allowing it to receive a copy of all works copyrighted in the US.

Also inDeutsch

Photos 10

Spofford in 1849Spofford in 1849The United States Capitol with its dome under construction, early 1860s. The Library of Congress occupied a portion of the building until 1897.[9]The United States Capitol with its dome under construction, early 1860s. The Library of Congress occupied a portion of the building until 1897.[9]Librarian of Congress John Gould Stephenson delegated most of his duties to Spofford during his service.Librarian of Congress John Gould Stephenson delegated most of his duties to Spofford during his service.Spofford's desk at the Library of Congress, c. 1880sSpofford's desk at the Library of Congress, c. 1880s1870s portrait of Spofford1870s portrait of Spofford1875 rendering of John Smithmeyer and Paul Pelz's proposal for the National Library building1875 rendering of John Smithmeyer and Paul Pelz's proposal for the National Library building1897 Harper's Weekly illustration showing the overcrowded Library of Congress reading room, with Spofford visible at right1897 Harper's Weekly illustration showing the overcrowded Library of Congress reading room, with Spofford visible at right

Awards 1

1951Library Hall of Fame

Connected to Ainsworth 6

John Shaw BillingsAlso won Library Hall of FameAdelaide HasseAlso won Library Hall of FameAnne Carroll MooreAlso won Library Hall of FameJustin WinsorAlso won Library Hall of FameHerbert PutnamAlso won Library Hall of FameAugusta Braxton BakerAlso won Library Hall of Fame

About this person

Ainsworth Rand Spofford was the sixth librarian of Congress. He oversaw the expansion of the Library of Congress (LOC) into a national library and placed it in charge of the national copyright system, allowing it to receive a copy of all works copyrighted in the US. He also oversaw the lengthy construction and move to the Thomas Jefferson Building, allowing the LOC to leave its severely overcrowded space in the United States Capitol.

Country
United States
Category
Journalists
Type
Journalist
Status
deceased
Dates
Lived 1825 to 1908 · aged 82
Written about in
7 languages

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