This article is from the Libraries FAQ, by Anthony Wilson paw@iglou.com with numerous contributions by others.
The Sumerians are believed to have developed the first writing system
around 3500 BCE By 2700 BCE, they had established temple, private, and
governmental libraries.
If you are interested in the history of libraries and librarianship,
visit the Library History Round Table web site and consider joining
their mailing list, http://www.spertus.edu/library-history/ :
"The purpose of the Library History Round Table is to facilitate
communication among scholars and students of library history, to
support research in library history, and to be active in issues, such
as preservation, that concern library historians."
 
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