[1] The plan resembled that of the old library built by Adam de
Brome. For notes on the architectural history of this library,
see Pietas O.



Section II

Before speaking of the dispersion of the University
collection it will be well to observe what had been done in
the colleges, where libraries must have formed an important
part of the collegiate economy. Books, indeed, were eagerly
sought, carefully guarded and preserved; and wealthy Fellows
--even Fellows not to be described as wealthy--often proved
their affection for their college by giving manuscripts.

The first house of the University, William of Durham's
Hall orUniversity Hall (now University College), was founded
between 1249 and 1292, when its statutes were drawn up.
In these statutes are the earliest regulations of the University
for dealing with books in its possession.[1] It seems clear that
the college enjoyed a library--perhaps of some importance,--with
excellent regulations for its use, at the end of the thirteenth
century. What is true of University College is true also of
nearly all the other colleges. Although most of them were not
rich foundations, one of the first efforts of a society was to
collect books for common use. A few years after Merton's
inception (1264) the teacher of grammar was supplied with books
out of the common purse, and directions were given for the care
of books.[2] To Balliol, Bishop Gravesend of London bequeathed