Final report of work experience in Maneuver Center for Excellence Libraries MCoE Donovan Research Library

Abstract

The Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE) Head Quarters (HQ) Donovan Research Library is one of the libraries located at Fort Benning, Georgia. It is part of the sixteen Army University Library System (AULS) at TRADOC Centers of Excellence and Schools that support military education and civilian professional development alongside The Army University. It is a specialized library that holds 60,000 historical documents, archival materials, student papers, military publications, periodicals, post newspapers, unit histories, digital collections and an extensive collection of 50,000 military books that enhance education and battlefield training. It also offers 32 public computers, Wi-Fi service, research databases and an online Virtual Branch at http://www.benning.army.mil/library.

The first 20 books of the library were donated in 1907 while the library was originally located at the School of Musketry at the Presidio of Monterey in California. Later it was relocated to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and became the Infantry School of Arms Library. In October of 1918, with a collection of 1,725 books, the Infantry Library finally ended in Fort Benning. The expansion of the library was ensured by supporters who were interested in the teaching of military history like assistant commandant Lt. Col. George C. Marshall. In 1980, the name was changed to Donovan Technical Library in honor of William “Wild Bill” Donovan, a Medal of honor recipient and “father of the Central Intelligence Agency.” Finally, the Armor School Library joined the MCoE Library System to support the training of Armor Soldiers and moved to the McGinnis Wickam Hall.