Panizzi

Sir Anthony Panizzi (1797-1879) was an Italian-born librarian, scholar, and politician who served as the Principal Librarian of the British Museum from 1856 to 1866. He is best known for his significant contributions to the development of the British Museum Library, now part of the British Library.

Panizzi revolutionized library administration and cataloging. His most important achievement was the creation of the "Ninety-One Rules," a comprehensive set of cataloging rules adopted by the British Museum Library in 1839-41. These rules, though later modified, formed the basis for modern cataloging principles used in libraries worldwide. They emphasized author entry and provided detailed guidelines for describing books and creating a standardized catalog.

Beyond cataloging, Panizzi oversaw the design and construction of the iconic British Museum Reading Room, completed in 1857. This architectural masterpiece provided a vast and accessible space for researchers and scholars. He also dramatically expanded the library's collections through strategic acquisitions, solidifying its status as one of the world's leading research libraries.

Panizzi’s influence extended beyond librarianship. He was a political activist, advocating for Italian unification and supporting liberal causes. His leadership and vision transformed the British Museum Library into a modern institution, leaving a lasting legacy on library science and scholarship.