MU Student Union Online

Throughout the week the library will open its doors to everyone, not just members. Come and see what you’ve been missing out on.

Potted History

In 1938 Dr Alfred E. Rowden White contributed 1,000 pounds and his own personal book collection to the University of Melbourne Student Union to establish the library that 70 years later still bears his name.

Rowden White’s idea was that students should have access to materials beyond those prescribed for their courses. As Library Rule No. 7 stated, ‘Except under exceptional circumstances, the room MUST NOT BE USED AS A WRITING ROOM.’ These days things are much more polite. The signs just say, ‘Please do not study’.

For thirty years the Library consisted of books and periodicals but in 1970 the infamous Listening Room was constructed and the Rowden White became a place to check out the latest sounds, drop tabs and generally ‘commune’ with one’s peers…

As well as consolidation of the extensive sci-fi, crime, general fiction and non-fiction collections, the 80s saw the introduction of CDs. During the 90s video, web access and manga made their appearance. While the double-o noughties has seen the arrival of DVDs, a massive flat screen TV and computer games and consoles.

Despite the 2006 Federal Government cutting funding to student services, 2008 sees the Rowden White Library continuing to thrive, proving the good Doctor right. Students, in our 2007 survey, gave the Library their seal of approval with 73% rating the Library “very good” and a further 25% rating it “good.” 70 years on, the Rowden White is an integral part of campus life.

birthday party, history