Shawn C. Madden. The Library at Qumran: A Librarian's Perspective. A Master's paper for the M.S. in L.S. degree. April 1998. 48 pages. Advisor: Helen R. Tibbo

This is a study of the manuscripts found in Cave 4 of the Qumran cave complex discovered near the ancient site of Khirbet Qumran. Because of the number and diversity of the manuscripts those found in that particular cave have been identified by several authors as the library of Qumran

This study was a collection evaluation of the manuscripts in an effort to determine the interest, concerns, and theological perspective of the individuals or group that deposited the manuscripts. A general survey of the material was covered. This was followed by an investigation of the theory that the occupiers of the Khirbet Qumran site were of the Jewish Essene sect. This theory was evaluated in light of the materials found in cave 4 and a determination was made as to whether the Essenes in fact developed and deposited the collection of materials found in cave 4.

This investigation brought to light the need for a specialized field of archaeological librarians. Though there are many archaeologists who have discovered and evaluated ancient libraries, to this author's knowledge (and briefest of investigations) none has been done from a librarian's perspective.

INDEX

Dead Sea Scrolls - - Library

Essenes - - Library

Qumran Community - - Library