Library Guides: About Us: Mission Statement & Staff Directory

Library Mission Statement

The Charles H. Trout Library is dedicated to:

To strengthen and provide access to a diverse collection of print and digital resources that support the College's academic programs and meet the information and technology needs of the entire College community.

To instruct in the use of this collection, with particular emphasis on Information Literacy, and to promote equitable access to library resources and services, ensuring that every student develops the research strategies and skills necessary to foster lifelong learning.

About Dr. Charles H. Trout

Dr. Charles Hathaway Trout

Charles Hathaway Trout was born on November 3, 1935, in Seattle, Washington. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Amherst College, followed by a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. from Columbia University.

His doctoral dissertation, "Boston During the Great Depression: 1929-1940," became the foundation for his book, Boston, The Great Depression, and the New Deal, published by Oxford University Press in 1977.

Dr. Trout served as President of Harcum College from 2002 to 2006, during which time he helped establish the Nursing Program and played a key role in revitalizing the College’s athletic programs.

The Charles H. Trout Library was dedicated to his memory on October 11, 2013, in recognition of his significant contributions to the College.