The Institute of Commonwealth Studies Library, Oxford

Abstract

The Library collection was formed on the establishment of the Institute of Colonial Studies by University Statute in 1945. The moving spirit behind the formation was the doyenne of British Africanists, Margery Perham (later Dame Margery), who became the first Director and a prinicpal benefactor. The Library's first home was at 10 Keble Road.In 1956 the Institute was renamed Commonwealth Studies basically because the word “Colonial” was no longer in vogue, and because it did not adequately describe the work done in the Institute which was naturally reflected in the material held by the Library. Then in 1960 the Institute, while retaining its identity and University responsbilities, moved with its Library, Office, and academic personnel into its present home, Queen Elizabeth House at 21 St. Giles.