James Maitland Anderson

James Maitland Anderson

James Maitland Anderson first came to the University of St Andrews in 1874 as an Assistant Librarian. In 1881, he became University Librarian, a role he held until 1924. During these years he also served as Secretary of the University (1878-1899), Quaestor (1881-1892), Registrar and Secretary of the General Council (1881-1899), and Keeper of Muniments (until 1927). In addition, Anderson had an interest in local history, studying the history of the town of St Andrews and the University, publishing four books on the topic over the span of 48 years. In 1895, Anderson published Heraldry of the University of St Andrews, which was used as an inspiration for the design of the current University Shield.

22 October 1852

ba44@st-andrews.ac.uk

Organisation

245

TEXT

Q97065168

James Maitland Anderson was born on 22 October 1852 to a gardener in Rossie, Fife. He attended Free Church School, Giffordtown and Parish School, Auchtermuchty before continuing with private study. Early in life, Maitland worked as a cowherd before becoming a journalist and editor in his twenties. In 1880, he married Margaret Elizabeth Bain, with whom he had two daughters. In 1874 he came to St Andrews and became Assistant Librarian. Six years later he became University Librarian, a role which he kept until 1924. During that time, he also held the positions of Secretary of the University (1878-1899), Quaestor (1881-1892), and Registrar and Secretary of the General Council (1881-1899). He was also Keeper of Muniments at the university until his death in 1927. For his contributions, Maitland was awarded an honorary LL.D. in 1912. He is buried in St Andrews Eastern Cemetery.

James Maitland Anderson published several works concerning the University of St Andrews while serving as Librarian. In 1878 he published Historical Sketch of the University of St Andrews. For a Bazaar at the University in 1895, he published a book on the Heraldry of St Andrews, ideas from which were used to create the current University Shield. In 1905, Anderson published a Register of Students at St Andrews, 1747-1897, and in 1926 he published Matriculation and Graduation Rolls of St Andrews University, 1413-1579.

25 August 1927