Libraries in Ethiopia before 1900

Abstract

Identifying the need for writings on librarianship in Ethiopia, this paper attempts to provide a brief description of the history of Ethiopia, its language, script and libraries during the past 2000 years. Only church and monastery libraries and some personal royal collections were identified during this period. Among personal royal collections, Emperor Tewodros Magdala Library is the most important and famous library. The government is trying to microfilm most of the manuscripts existing within and outside the country.