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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When did more than 1,500 library staff members sign a petition complaining that central Library was a hazardous work environment?

2. When was the library's cornerstone laid?

3. When did library cards expire in Chapter 22?

4. How many days did Harry spend in jail before he was released?

5. When was the first scientifically based report on how to examine fires published?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did economics favor destroying the Goodhue Building?

2. What was the Hoot Owl Telephonic Reference?

3. What is OverDrive?

4. What did Orlean observe when she visited the reference section on a Monday morning?

5. What was the Source?

6. What was the interior of the new library building like?

7. Who became Harry's lawyer and why?

8. Who was Todd Wilingham, and how was he falsely accused of starting a fire?

9. Who was Paul Bieber, and what was his opinion about the library fire?

10. What was the Computer Center like at the library?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Orlean’s mother introduced her early to libraries. What was Orlean’s experience with libraries throughout her life? Why did her definition of a library change while she was researching for the book?

Essay Topic 2

For nearly 15 years, there was a struggle between those who wanted to preserve the library and those who wanted to tear it down. What were the pros and cons of preserving or tearing down the library? Why did the preservationists win and the Goodhue Building was saved?

Essay Topic 3

John Szabo became city librarian of Los Angeles in 2012. What were his contributions to the library? What did his contributions reveal about innovation?

(see the answer keys)

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