Volume XXIV · Winter-Spring 1969  ·  Number 2 & 3
Robert William Glenroie Vail, 1890-1966
 
 

The University of Rochester Library is indebted to Robert William Glenroie Vail, author and translator of the articles in this issue of the Library Bulletin, for his important contributions to the growth and development of its local history collections.

Mr. Vail, who died June 21, 1966, was noted for his work on bibliographies and bibliographical studies of Americana, and for his associations with the New York Public and State libraries, the American Antiquarian Society and the New-York Historical Society. He was director of the NYHS from 1944 to 1960.

In 1930 Mr. Vail's large collection of western New York book and pamphlet material was purchased by the Library. It was the largest of three collections which formed the nucleus of the Library's local history collection. Mr. Vail added to this collection by gift, constantly enhancing the value of the local history holdings. The great value of his collection and gifts lay in the fact that they represented carefully chosen volumes, reflecting his expert knowledge and discriminating taste.

Because of Mr. Vail's important contributions to the University of Rochester Library, the editors of the Library Bulletin are proud to print the following previously unpublished bibliographical study and translations of early and rare American promotion literature in this issue.