The history of libraries from ancient to modern times is presented through a review of the types of documents stored, the structures themselves, the way they have been managed, and the important part they have played in every culture around the world.

The ancient libraries --European libraries of the Middle Ages -- Asia and Islam -- Europe's High Middle Ages -- Renaissance to Reformation -- People of the book -- War and a golden age -- The library in colonial North America -- The library in the young United States -- Libraries across America -- Organizing knowledge -- Libraries, librarians, and media centers.