University Archives, Collection C:1/141/8
Academic Hall, which was dedicated in 1843, first housed library. By 1857 it contained 2500 books.
"Books were loaned only to officers (professors?) and students. Students were not admitted to the room where the books were shelved. They applied to the librarian's desk for their books. A student could borrow two books for four weeks. The library was open every Friday from two to four p.m." (History of the Library, p. 25)
See the MU in Brick and Mortar site for more pictures of Academic Hall.
