The University of Miami’s library started small and grew steadily through donations by friends, faculty, and students. The first central library was created in December 1949 in a section of the non-air-conditioned Merrick Building. Dr. Archie L. McNeal was appointed as Director of Libraries in 1952 and he oversaw the planning and construction of the new Otto G. Richter Library dedicated on June 10, 1962 by retiring President Jay Pearson. The $3 million state-of-the-art building was made possible through major donations from the estate of the late OttoG. Richter, the Meyer Gold Estate, and the George A. Brockway Foundation. The images below give a visual overview of the Library’s early beginnings.
Image Details: 1926 (part I)
Image Details: 1926 (part II)
Interior view of the Anastasia Library
Collection: UM Historical Photographs - Buildings and Grounds
Image Details: 1940s
Aerial view of the Merrick Building on the Coral Gables campus
Collection: UM Historical Photographs - Buildings and Grounds
University of Miami Merrick Building Under Construction
William G. Harkins
William G. Harkins was appointed the first University of Miami Library director.
Image Details: 1950s
Technical services building for campus library in Merrick Building previous to construction of Richter library
Collection: UM Historical Photographs - Buildings and Grounds
Image Details: 1959
Groundbreaking of the Otto G. Richter Library
Collection: UM Historical Photographs - Buildings and Grounds
Otto G. Richter, Donor
Collection: UM Historical Photographs - Alumni and Other Support Organizations
Image Details: 1961
Construction of the Otto G. Richter Library on the Coral Gables campus
Collection: UM Historical Photographs - Buildings and Grounds
Construction of the Otto G. Richter Library on the Coral Gables campus
Collection: UM Historical Photographs - Buildings and Grounds
Construction of the Otto G. Richter Library on the Coral Gables campus
Collection: UM Historical Photographs - Buildings and Grounds
Image Details: 1962 (part I)
Dignitaries pose with Richter Portrait at the Library Dedication
Collection: UM Historical Photographs - Buildings and Grounds
Archie McNeal, Library Director (1952-1970), speaks at the Otto G. Richter Library dedication
Collection: UM Historical Photographs - Buildings and Grounds
Image Details: 1962 (part II)
Richter Staircase
The Otto G. Richter Library featured this impressive staircase. The staircase led to all three floors of the Richter Library and was crowned with 27 translucent skylights.
Staircase Inside of the Richter Library
Collection: UM Historical Photographs - Buildings and Grounds
Image Details: 1980s
View of the stacks tower at the Otto G. Richter Library.
Collection: UM Historical Photographs - Buildings and Grounds
Image Details: 2000s
The Dr. Maxwell and Reva B. Dauer Clock Tower
Completed in 2000, the Clock Tower was part of the Library's major renovation.
Roberto C. Goizueta Pavilion
Home to the Cuban Heritage Collection, the Roberto C. Goizueta Pavilion opened in 2003.
