Back to results

University of New Orleans

William Beer: An Englishman's Role in Libraries, Literature and Society in New Orleans, 1891-1927

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>In 1891, an Englishman named William Beer arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana, to take up the position as librarian of Tulane University's Howard Library. Beer quickly gained a reputation as a competent and knowledgeable librarian by bolstering the Louisiana collection at the Howard Library with maps, rare books and Louisiana historical documents. In 1896, Beer played a central role in the organization and opening of the first free and public library in New Orleans, the Fisk Free and Public Library. Beer befriended many well-known authors of New Orleans literature including George Washington Cable, Grace King, Mollie Moore Davis and Mary Ashley Townsend. Beer's influence in New Orleans and its literature, and his roles as librarian and instigator of literature have hitherto been largely ignored. This paper will argue that Beer created the foundations of a New Orleans literary culture. <strong></strong></p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
M.A.
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
History
Year dc:date.available
2013

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Shields, Remesia
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Atkinson, Connie Zeanah
  • Mitchell, Mary Niall
  • Mizell-Nelson, Michael

Subjects

dc:subject × 11

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/1669
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:scholarworks.uno.edu:td-2672

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
University of New Orleans
Base URL
scholarworks.uno.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Shields, Remesia. William Beer: An Englishman's Role in Libraries, Literature and Society in New Orleans, 1891-1927. Thesis thesis, 2013. https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/1669