tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11195118566808143292024-02-22T11:03:24.498-05:00The Sleeper Awakens“A person needs new experiences. They jar something deep inside, allowing you to grow. Without them, it sleeps- seldom to awaken. The sleeper must awaken. ” -Frank HerbertRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06360453328685866786noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1119511856680814329.post-21873975985963866252014-07-26T00:00:00.000-04:002014-08-15T22:43:53.964-04:00The British LibrarySo I acquired three different cards during my stay in the United Kingdom. The tube pass, while useful, falls at the bottom of the rankings in terms of how excited I was to receive these passes and my perception of their intrinsic awesomeness. The other two are neck and neck for number one, with the one I acquired today just barely edging out the Liberty of London loyalty card. And what could surpass that greatness? My very own British Library reader's pass. I'm sure you can see why it is a close competition.<br />
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Visiting the <a href="http://bl.uk/" target="_blank">British Library</a> to view the exhibits and space is a trip in and of itself. The Treasures Room and the towering presence of King George's Library are incredible. However, visiting the Library to research? Well that is a whole other level of awesome.<br />
There are several things that one should keep in mind when embarking on acquiring a Reader's Pass. First, pre-register. Not only will this save time, but it allows you to pre-order books, which is an invaluable time saver. Also, make sure you have the proper identification necessary. You need two forms, I used my passport and driver's license. Finally, arrive early. Not only will this help you beat any crowds, but it will give you more time to research.<br />
I knew going to the British Library for research would be an experience. There were a few times during my stay in London and UK were I was actually wide eyed and star struck by my surroundings, and this was definitely one of them. The reading rooms are massive, and quiet. It is truly astounding and refreshing to be in such a large space and hear so little noise. The perfect space for research. I had, at the suggestion of fellow classmates and the British Library website pre-registered and pre-ordered my materials, so the process of acquiring my pass and getting my materials was relatively short. <br />
And here is perhaps the most important thing to remember before entering the reading rooms to begin research, and a hard lesson I had to learn. Make sure your pencil had lead in it. Yes, that's right, wide-eyed and ready to dive into research I find out that I am on the very last bit of lead in the pencil. I made the most of it. You find ways to improvise when you really need it. Despite my failing writing utensil I was able to get some valuable research completed on the William Morris Gallery and Archive. The British Library had a few volumes of interest regarding the early compilation of the collection and on its formation. <br />
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Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06360453328685866786noreply@blogger.com0The British Library, 96 Euston Road, Kings Cross, London NW1 2DB, UK51.5299717 -0.1276758999999856351.5299717 -0.12767589999998563 51.5299717 -0.12767589999998563tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1119511856680814329.post-25918408535130410212014-07-23T00:00:00.000-04:002014-08-15T22:22:21.368-04:00William Morris Gallery <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.wmgallery.org.uk/" target="_blank">The William Morris Gallery</a> is located on the outskirts of London in Walthamstow. As the name suggests, the Gallery and Archive are dedicated to collecting and preserving materials relating to William Morris, who was one of the founding fathers of the Arts and Crafts movement. The Gallery also collects materials relating to Frank Brangwyn who helped to found the Gallery, as well as several of Morris' friends and fellow artists. The Gallery and Archives are housed in the Water House, a Georgian mansion dating from 1750. The house is located within the grounds of Lloyd Park. William Morris resided in the residence during his youth. The Gallery completed a renovation in 2012 which upgraded the space, and provided for storage for the archive collection. The library and reading room are located on the upper floor, while the archive and gallery collections are stored within a secured environmentally controlled room in the basement.</div>
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A tour through the Gallery provided information not only on the life and works of William Morris and his comrades, which is vast and varied, but also on the types of materials owned by the Gallery. The range of items presented was vast and all present interesting preservation and storage concerns. There were documents and books, but also tapestries, rugs, wallpapers, furniture, and printing equipment. The Gallery itself is modern, with interactive displays and features. </div>
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In reviewing documents later in the day, I learned that the collections on display must be kept in controlled conditions and regularly inspected for conservation concerns. Items kept in storage are also regularly inspected for condition and are appraised for condition and damage concerns upon being acquired and processed. Procedures for conservation and preservation action were clearly defined within the Gallery's conservation policy.</div>
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The library and archives are just beginning to digitized their collections. There is a limited number of items available online. This applies to the catalog as well. There are a small number of from the catalog which are available via the Gallery's website. This does limit the ability to fully research the collection if a site visit is not feasible. However, the librarians and curators are available via email to answer questions.</div>
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As mentioned the reading room and library are located on the upper floor. The space has clearly been modernized, but the library space was still cramped. The reading room, however, was large and bright with amble work space. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Not only were they able to answer the questions I had, they took the time and effort to locate administrative documents and reports that they thought would be beneficial to my research. </div>
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<br />Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06360453328685866786noreply@blogger.com0William Morris Gallery, Forest Road, Walthamstow, London E17 4PY, UK51.5912272 -0.020266399999968651.590918699999996 -0.020896899999968598 51.5915357 -0.0196358999999686tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1119511856680814329.post-21304663631906330722014-07-16T00:00:00.000-04:002014-08-15T22:38:17.439-04:00Dunfermline Carnegie LibraryOn our last full day in Edinburgh, we had the opportunity to take an optional side trip to Dunfermline. Our hosts for our visit were knowledgeable, welcoming, and friendly. Dunfermline is the birth place of Andrew Carnegie and the location for the first Carnegie Library. The library is currently being refurbished with plans to build an adjoining museum onto the back. The <a href="http://www.fifedirect.org.uk/atoz/index.cfm?fuseaction=facility.display&facid=0C95F6FA-11D6-467F-BDE5ED42118689F4#about" target="_blank">Dunfermline Library</a> was opened in 1883, following a gift of 5000pounds by Andrew Carnegie in 1879 to the town for the creation of a library. The building was later added onto in the early 1900s and again in the 1990s. <br />
There is something moving about being in an empty library. Being in a space that is usual filled with objects, people, daily goings on, that is now devoid of all that is both haunting and provides a way to better appreciate the beauty of the space. The Dunfermline Library is beautiful. The space is open while still being filled with bookshelves. The historic character of the space has been preserved, and hopefully will continue to be throughout its renovation. The original bookcases with there detailed moldings topped with carved figures, and the old fireplace give the space an inviting and cozy feel. Upstairs in the former reference area, the vaulted wooden ceiling is spectacular. Equally impressive is the Special Collections room, with its rich wood and closed bookshelves. Adding to the beauty of the space our the views from the windows. <br />
The former local history rooms were of particular interest to me. Not only was the main room spacious, but there were an additional two rooms that had been dedicated to the storage and use of historical materials. It was heartening to see such space and resources being dedicated to historical collections in a public library. Coming from a country were tightening budgets often mean that local history and genealogy funding is quickly cut, it was great to see such resources being provided for these invaluable collections.<br />
During our visit we also had the opportunity to visit the Dunfermline Abbey, which houses the remains of Robert the Bruce. Perhaps as equally beautiful as the Abbey were the views from the graveyard. Scotland has some of the prettiest countryside I have seen. Our group was also able to visit the Andrew Carnegie birthplace, which is located down the street from the Library and Abbey. The museum, while small, makes use of modern technology to provide visitors with an informative and engaging experience.<br />
In a follow up to this post... We made the local <a href="http://www.dunfermlinepress.com/news/dunfermline/articles/2014/07/28/505204-carnegie-library-hosts-us-visitors/" target="_blank">news!</a><br />
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Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06360453328685866786noreply@blogger.com0Dunfermline, Dunfermline, Fife, UK56.071741 -3.45215099999995856.000828500000004 -3.6135124999999579 56.1426535 -3.2907894999999581tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1119511856680814329.post-47582637054597340162014-07-15T00:00:00.001-04:002014-08-15T22:37:59.420-04:00Central Library of Edinburgh<a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/directory_record/5079/central_library" target="_blank">The Central Library</a> of Edinburgh is housed in a Victorian building dating to the 1880s. The library itself was opened in 1890, and is a Carnegie Library. The library is one of over twenty public libraries within the city of Edinburgh. The library served as a ration book distribution site during World War II, as well as an order distribution point for the volunteer fire brigade. <br />
The library uses the Library of Congress classification system with modifications to fit their audience. The building has been adapted to fit modern demands, including the adding power outlets, Wi-Fi and other technological requirements. The majority of the library collections are housed within the central area, however, there separate sections for music, teens, and an art library located on an upper floor. Reference materials are located within the original reading room.<br />
Adjoining the library is the new renovated children's library. The building housing the children's collection was a former bank, which was purchased in the 1950s and only recently renovated for the collections. The children's library offers several programs to encourage developing reading skills in children, such as the BookBug programs aimed at children under five. The library has also started initiative to engage children with reading disabilities, and are known for their efforts in starting reading groups and programs for children with dyslexia. Books for the children's library are centrally ordered.<br />
Following our tour the Central Library, we were treated to a presentation by Jim Thompson about the library and its initiatives. Perhaps the most interesting thing discussed was the library's creation of the <a href="http://www.ourtownstories.co.uk/" target="_blank">Our Town</a> software. The software allows the user to view the changing of a given area via a photographic timeline. The library was also the first library system to develop an app with full access to library collections and information. The newest libraries being added to the Edinburgh system are housed within community hubs; a collection of community and cultural resources housed within the same building to save costs and space. Due to the high number of branches within the city, residents are never more than a mile and half from a library. The library system also operates mobile libraries, prison libraries, and hospital libraries. The library system has a number of outreach programs geared towards bring people into the library and helping residents improve skills, such as Library 4U aimed at teaching job and social skills to patrons under 25.<br />
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The main floor of the library boast a gorgeous ceiling, stained glass windows, and beautiful wooden bookcases crafted from old church pews, complete with intricate carvings. The space has been adapted to fit with modern needs including Wi-Fi throughout the space, supplying a sufficient number of power outlets, and creating usable teaching spaces. The lower stacks are open with the exception of the special collections stacks, and our in starch contrast to the main level. They are dim and somewhat cramped, even more so with fourteen people trying to squeeze in, but basement stacks general are. The library utilizes the Library of Congress classification system.<br />
The library classes rare books and materials as dating before 1850. A special collections room has been set up in a corner of the main floor. The room is small, but the glass walls and security system, allow for greater monitoring of materials being used. There is no written special collections policy for the library.<br />
The library collection consists of approximately 200000 items with 50000 items in special collections, and around 30000 pamphlets. The library also has a large number of journals online and is continuing to grow the number of books available digitally. The library has a modest budget, approximately 60000pounds. Weeded items from the collection go to support annual book sales which students help to run. A minimal amount of funding also comes from the Church of Scotland. Monies raised from the book sales are used to fund conservation efforts. Special collections items are generally only added to the collection via donation. However, special fundraising campaigns and donations are usually sought to purchase specific items, generally via auction or private seller. The majority of the new collection, however, arrive shelf ready. Currently the library is working on cataloging online material. <br />
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Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06360453328685866786noreply@blogger.com0Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, UK55.953252 -3.188266999999996255.8109675 -3.5109904999999961 56.0955365 -2.8655434999999962tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1119511856680814329.post-65802631144935689182014-07-14T00:00:00.000-04:002014-08-15T22:36:18.251-04:00National Library of Scotland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.nls.uk/" target="_blank">The National Library of Scotland</a> original started as the Advocates Library in 1687. The Advocates Library would later merge with the national collections to form the National Library. The Library serves as Scotland's depository library. The current building on George IV Bridge was completed in 1954. In 1995 an additional building, the Causewayside building, was completed. In 2009 a vistor centre was built within the main building. The library's conservation services are performed off site, while emergency conservation services, such as freezing water damage, is available within the main building. The library holds regular events and workshop on a variety of topics, including using the collections, creative events, and lectures. The collections consists of 14 million books and manuscripts, 2 million maps and atlases, 300000 music scores, 32000 films and videos, 25000 magazine and newspaper titles, and over 6000 items are added to the collection weekly.</div>
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The library collections are stored in environmentally controlled spaces according to size. Each item is given a mark indicating subject, size, year and a running number. Most books are stored without dust jackets in order to save space. However, this creates a dilemma when an item is needed for an exhibition and its dust jacket is located in a completely different place and often in a group of items with no particular order. The library has six levels of stacks, with various levels of security. The more valuable collections, such as the John Murray archive can only be accessed by certain staff. Several of the stacks are kept dark to prevent light damage, and are only illuminated when needed. </div>
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The library has a permanent exhibit space dedicated to showing the public important artifacts and materials from their collections, namely the John Murray archive. The exhibit space is modern and very engaging to the viewer. Displays are housed in large tubes that each contains key artifacts relating to a given person, such as Livingston or Byron. Each display is accompanied by a touch screen which provides audio and digitized documents relating to the objects. In selecting the object it becomes illuminated and the viewer is able to scroll through the information as they wish.</div>
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The library also has plans to provide visitors with emails containing transcript and recording of materials they are interested in. The emails would also contain links to suggestions for additional sources or materials similar to the requested. The library is clearly active and proactive rather than reactive in creating services to engage their patrons.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from the Gazetteer for Scotland, 2014. Available @http://www.scottish-places.info/features/featurefirst1131.html </td></tr>
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Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06360453328685866786noreply@blogger.com0National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh EH1 1EW, UK55.9485487 -3.191873399999963130.426514200000003 -44.500467399999962 81.470583200000007 38.116720600000036tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1119511856680814329.post-61187885311042055922014-07-11T00:00:00.000-04:002014-08-15T22:39:21.013-04:00Herbarium Library and Archives- Kew Gardens<a href="http://www.kew.org/library/index.html" target="_blank">The Herbarium Library and Archives</a> is located just outside the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew. Prior to the formal creation of the library in 1852, researchers used the private collections of the first director William Hooker. The library today consists of approximately 300000 books and pamphlets, 5000 periodicals, 200000, all of which add to the total of some 7 millions sheets of paper. The historical books pertaining to botany are still used today by researchers and are essential in producing revisions. The original house used to house the archives dates from the 1600s, with the oldest wing dating from the 1870s. The newest wing of the building was completed in 2010 and is modern and open. It truly amazes and gladdens me of the abundance of examples in this country of continuing to utilize historic buildings and adapting them for modern use, instead of tearing them down and building something new.<br />
The library and archives is fortunate enough to have a conservator on staff. However, due to stagnant and decreasing funding, conservation efforts are limited. Our guide and presenter estimated that it cost between five hundred and one thousand pounds to properly conserve one book.<br />
Included in the collection is a small number of items relating to Beatrix Potter. Potter came to Kew in order to pursue research into a theory that fungi reproduce via spores. Although her theory would turn out to be correct, the dismissive treatment she received during her scientific pursuits but her off to furthering her scientific career.<br />
We were also able to view, briefly, the herbarium, were specimens are stored. The herbarium is currently in the process of being re-classified, but was still open for research. The space is large and open, with specimens stored in large cabinets. New storage facilities for herbarium specimens are kept at a low 15 degrees Celsius to help prevent pests. Materials are inspected for pest upon arrival, and regularly thereafter. While the issue of pests is serious to any archive, it was interesting to be among a collection were even the smallest infestation could be catastrophic. Providing and maintaining the right environmental storage conditions for organic materials are truly a daunting task.<br />
Following our tour of the library and herbarium, we were treated to a presentation on Leslie Linder. Linder is known for breaking the code Beatrix Potter used in writing her journals. The speaker was knowledgeable and thorough on discussing the life and achievements of Mr. Linder. The discovery of Potter's secret code allowed researchers a greater insight into the personal life and thoughts of a beloved writer.<br />
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<br />Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06360453328685866786noreply@blogger.com0Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, London TW9 3AB, UK51.4787438 -0.2955729999999903251.4589648 -0.33591349999999032 51.498522799999996 -0.25523249999999031tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1119511856680814329.post-56995590991853311102014-07-10T00:00:00.000-04:002014-08-15T22:39:57.147-04:00British Museum Archives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I must say that I was incredibly excited for this visit. I absolutely adore the <a href="http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/libraries_and_archives.aspx" target="_blank">British Museum</a>. The first time I visited I spent almost six hours wandering around, and then went back the next day. Being one of the most renowned museums in the world, I expected a great archive. I was shocked and somewhat saddened by what the central archive actually was. For being such a great and large museum, the state of the central archive was deeply worrying.<br />
We were led to the basement archive through a series of underground tunnels. The actual archive space is tight, very tight. Even with dividing our class in half, the number of people was overwhelming for the space. The collection consists of the administrative records, donation and acquisition documents, architectural prints, as well as a variety of other materials. The materials are un-cataloged. Almost an entire collection of incredible useful and valuable resources virtual unavailable to the public without the aide of the archivist. Due to the lack of cataloging there are no digitized materials available from the central archive. The archive is not equipped with environmental controls or fire suppression systems. Being housed in the basements, there is a large concern for both damp and flooding. <br />
Our guide, and the newly appointed central archivist, Francesa Hiller was extremely informative and passionate about the archives. It was a great pleasure to meet someone who's passion and enthusiasm for their work is clearly visible. Hearing her talk about the challenges facing the archive in terms of space, funding, and publicity was truly inspiring. She was able to show us several objects from the collection including original architectural sketches for the museum, older reader room registration cards, including Bram Stoker's, a bomb which was dropped on the museum during World War II and photographs illustrating the destruction of those bombings. <br />
The materials housed within the archive are also essential to the Museum and should be given the treatment they deserved. Not only would the archive be an invaluable resource to researchers, but it would raise awareness and visitation for the Museum as a whole. The acquisitions records for materials, which are still used in disputes for ownership would be devastating to the Museum if lost or damaged. If ever there was a case to be made for the importance of funding and awareness for archives, surely the Central Archive would be a poster child. I can only hope that the other nine archives for the museum's collection are in better shape.<br />
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<br />Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06360453328685866786noreply@blogger.com0The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG, UK51.5194133 -0.1269565999999713325.997378799999996 -41.435550599999971 77.0414478 41.181637400000028tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1119511856680814329.post-6971084529251970732014-07-09T00:00:00.000-04:002014-08-15T22:39:39.879-04:00Caird Library: National Maritime MuseumThe trip to Greenwich was a nice change of pace. Instead of buses and tubes, the class traveled via a leisure boat ride on the Thames. Traveling by boat is a great way to see the city without fighting through the hoards of crowds and traffic.<br />
Greenwich is simply lovely; a relaxing and subdued break from the never ending movement that is London. <a href="http://www.rmg.co.uk/researchers/library" target="_blank">The Caird Archive and Library</a> is located within the National Maritime Museum. The library and archive is funded mainly through the museum, with a small amount of monies coming from the central government. The library is named for John Caird who acquired and donated items with the intention to form a maritime museum and archive. The current building housing the collections is bright, airy and modern. The reading room houses a general reference collection as well as computers, scanners, copiers, and amble work space, including work surfaces and supports designed for large format items. Patrons request specific materials via an online catalog, which are then located and retrieved by staff. <br />
The collection consists of approximately 12000 linear meters of materials, which includes, approximately 100000 printed books, 12000 rare books and 80000 maps and charts. Materials are stored according to type and by format, i.e. books, boxes, oversized, and un-cataloged. The library does have a backlog of un-cataloged materials. Priority in cataloging is given to high public demand pieces. Every acquisitions request must include the number of hours required to properly catalog a piece for use.<br />
The library serves mainly academic or university funded researchers. However, there is a large number of patrons who uses the collection for family history research. There are also researchers who are pursuing personal research. <br />
Prior to our tour of the library facilities, our guide was able to show and explain to us several pieces from the collections. Among these were a letter by Lord Nelson, a wonderful travel journal with watercolors depicting African landscapes, flora and fauna, and a early nineteenth century surgeons textbook. The diversity of materials clearly highlighted the breadth of the collections and the types of researchers who can utilize it.<br />
After the tour, we were given time to tour the museum, and to make the trek up to the Royal Observatory. Housed in Greenwich Park, the Old Royal Observatory is famed for the Prime Meridian. While the museum and exhibits were interesting, particularly the one incorporating Steam Punk, the true joy comes from simply wandering around the park and taking in the spectacular views of London.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVYrXXR7WBuRCQboBtnPaE-nx804QXAvuByQqDdNIKz6g3YeQX6d3JFnFyL2RtCwKdC4tswJ0jt1C3CPlRvoa0UdvpdjJYGotO5JeuXLfdZlzluqVNBhTYSyTBT1HiOOi4V6UD1Fo6bY/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVYrXXR7WBuRCQboBtnPaE-nx804QXAvuByQqDdNIKz6g3YeQX6d3JFnFyL2RtCwKdC4tswJ0jt1C3CPlRvoa0UdvpdjJYGotO5JeuXLfdZlzluqVNBhTYSyTBT1HiOOi4V6UD1Fo6bY/s1600/018.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06360453328685866786noreply@blogger.com0National Maritime Museum, London SE10 9NF, UK51.4807766 -0.0053375999999616425.9587421 -41.313931599999961 77.0028111 41.303256400000038tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1119511856680814329.post-43715663306423072352014-07-08T00:00:00.000-04:002014-08-15T22:37:19.512-04:00The Barbican Library<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/lending-libraries/find-a-library/barbican-library/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">The Barbican Library</a> is a public library located in the City of London. Which, not to be confusing or anything, is in London, but isn't the public library for London. The City of London is a borough in London, so London within London...no confusion at all. Anyway. The Barbican Library is located within the Barbican Centre which was opened in 1982. The Centre is a cultural hub bringing together art, music, and theatre into one space. And trying to function normally within the cacophony and humdrum of those events, all of which echo in the concrete colossus, is a public library. </span><br />
Although, the space was purpose built to house a library, the concrete structure creates several problems. Because the supports of the building are concrete there is no way to remove or redesign the footprint of the space, meaning that collection flow and storage is at the mercy of the original design. Also, heating and cooling are a challenge due to the building design, not just the concrete but the incorporation of large, empty open air spaces. Those large empty space also help to amplify the echoes produced throughout the Centre. I'm not sure as an employee or as a patron I could ever become accustomed to hearing theatre calls echoing throughout the library frequently.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> The library consists of the general collection, the children's library, as well as the music library. </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The library collection is organized in Dewey decimal order
with some sections housed in other locations, i.e. art and computers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fiction section is organized by author’s
last name, as well as by genre via a smaller shelving display.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This allows for easier browsing for readers
know what genre they like but are looking for a specific author, and vice
versa.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">The library utilizes RFID technology, and several self-checkout stations are located within the central foyer of the main floor. There are also self-return stations located outside the main doors for patron convenience after hours. Funding for the library is supplied mainly through the City of London government, with little coming from the central government. Other sources of funding are fines, and joint ventures.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> Our guide of the Barbican, Jonathan Gibbs, was wonderful. Funny, informative, and energetic, he made the tour of the facilities so enjoyable. His enthusiasm in conducting the tour, talking about the library and his work was both heartening and reminded me why I enjoy working in public libraries. The people, both the staff and patrons are characters, and make life so much more enjoyable and unpredictable. </span></span></span><br />
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Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06360453328685866786noreply@blogger.com0Barbican, London EC2Y, UK51.5190925 -0.09407869999995455151.509212 -0.11424869999995454 51.528973 -0.073908699999954558tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1119511856680814329.post-12695535681778600422014-07-02T00:00:00.000-04:002014-08-15T15:55:38.273-04:00Stowe School and HouseI was not sure what to expect during our visit to <a href="http://www.stowe.co.uk/" target="_blank">Stowe School and House</a>. The connotations surrounding 'Public Schools' in the U.K. perhaps influenced any expectations or preconceived notions I might have had. Whatever I thought Stowe House would be, I was pleasantly surprised by what it actually was. <br />
The library is small and gorgeous, with an amazing view of the grounds. The house was built by the Temple- Grenville family in the late eighteenth century. Thriving during the latter part of the eighteenth and early nineteenth century, family debts forced several large sales of the houses contents during the later nineteenth century. Eventually the estate was sold in the early 1920s to a group with the intention of founding a public school, and Stowe School was founded in 1922. Efforts have been made to restore the buildings and rooms, including the library, with their original designs and features. While this is a wonderful testament to the preservation of cultural heritage, it does put severe limitations on adaptation for modern use. <br />
While aesthetically the library is appealing, functionally I cannot see how it works. Given that the school has around 800 students, the space and certainly the resources seem inadequate. Even with the appropriation of space from an adjoining room for presenting general fiction collections, the actual shelf space for collections was limited. <br />
And I cringed, when the librarians talked about the space being utilized for the students leaving party. Teenagers, young adults, whatever you want to call them, partying, with food and drink, in a confined space housing library materials. Oh, the horror. I know that the topic of food and drink in libraries is a continuing one, but I cannot stand it. It hurts to walk through my library and see patrons with a menagerie of food and beverages, and not be able to do anything about it. Just knowing the types of pests that the smallest traces of crumbles and residue can attracts is enough to make me scream. But to allow such a thing in a historic building, where the consequences of an infestation would have a much more far reaching and costly toll is almost unthinkable. I suppose that is the world we live in today.<br />
However, I can completely understand how the librarians would be able to deal with space restrictions, and possible teenagers induced food accidents. If I had the view that they do, I would find a way to deal with those issues too. The grounds at Stowe are simply breathtaking. They are a wondrous mix of meticulously manicured and charmingly rambling, and are one of the estates best features.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2ZZGNzPyh8-o4fTV_AtJ0BJiq3ozSp_nj2CC54jAOkAaH3XmQ8XFRwXsaptPDau50A9BOfJNEnzaWU2uP7c1tgIt-qdRpNvS_6ZYcc-grE814DQWx3abduQMisTbzfm5n0U3doq-s24/s1600/135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2ZZGNzPyh8-o4fTV_AtJ0BJiq3ozSp_nj2CC54jAOkAaH3XmQ8XFRwXsaptPDau50A9BOfJNEnzaWU2uP7c1tgIt-qdRpNvS_6ZYcc-grE814DQWx3abduQMisTbzfm5n0U3doq-s24/s1600/135.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBg-eovqiLXdGR-kqhEQ18dQ84emqAUnrMh77JI9oGsdRztCRr5YFDeeaVT0TyG8CkWgs4MnMyRzEjsEEXqqoePS_0d4S0Z3ubuQcB_Ies0Cv802SuPU68gZnzjdxqX5mVCe0QgoubRc/s1600/081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBg-eovqiLXdGR-kqhEQ18dQ84emqAUnrMh77JI9oGsdRztCRr5YFDeeaVT0TyG8CkWgs4MnMyRzEjsEEXqqoePS_0d4S0Z3ubuQcB_Ies0Cv802SuPU68gZnzjdxqX5mVCe0QgoubRc/s1600/081.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06360453328685866786noreply@blogger.com0Stowe School, Stowe, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire MK18 5EH, UK52.031254399999987 -1.01809140000000351.98277989999999 -1.098772400000003 52.079728899999985 -0.937410400000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1119511856680814329.post-26092975640477866952014-06-30T03:00:00.000-04:002014-08-15T15:55:15.743-04:00The Bodleian Library, Oxford<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The trip to Oxford was somewhat of a dream fulfillment. There was an opportunity during my undergraduate career to study in Oxford through the Virginia Oxford Program, but things just didn't work out. Until now...so dream fulfilled I suppose. </div>
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Stemming from the donation of books in the 1480s by Duke Humfrey, the <a href="http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley" target="_blank">Bodleian</a> takes its name from Sir Thomas Bodley. Following the decimation of the library during the reformation, Bodley offered to refurbish the library collections of the university. This was accomplished in both monetary donations as well as through materials from Bodley's personal collections. The library was officially opened to students and faculty in 1602, with Thomas James as head librarian. In 1610 Bodley secured an agreement for the library to be a depository to receive a copy of every book printed in England. Due to the increasing collections space became a premium and several expansion projects were undertaken in the subsequent centuries. Most notable of these were the acquisition of the adjacent Radcliff Camera in 1860, and the building of underground storage facilities in the early twentieth century, and the building of the New Bodleian in 1930. Starting in the 1970s the library began acquiring and building storage facilities outside of the city in order to house the collection. </div>
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The old library is still used today. Users enter via the security gates and front desk. ID must be presented and belongings secured in clear bags for inspection. It was wonderful to see a historic space being used for its intended purpose and in much the same way. Also, every student and faculty member is required to make the following oath before using the library's collection: "I hereby undertake not to remove from the Library, or to mark, deface, or injure in any way, any volume, document, or other object belonging to it or in its custody; not to bring into the Library or kindle therein any fire or flame, and not to smoke in the Library; and I promise to obey all rules of the Library". Somehow I don't think that I would be successful in lobbying for an oath like this to be initiated at my library. Oh well, one can dream. The oath was initiated by Bodley as a safe guard against fire, which also prevent any light beyond the windows to be added to the Library until 1929 with the installation of electricity. </div>
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Unfortunately, the Radcliff Camera was closed to the public while we were there, but judging from the outside, I'm sure it is a gorgeous space as well. Oxford itself is a lovely town; very walkable, with most everything centrally located. Like the Radcliff the Ashmolean was closed, but I was able to have a stroll around the gift shop. All in all a great day out, especially since most of the day I felt like I was in an episode of Lewis.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaAzB-OBqZqus6DL5csYpnxkW8ricEyKuUvHMJxls8zU_239r3CRKNN7G6ekUIlSgJoknNtl0QHoXeYviX7w2lQD-6U_dq_oswM8H7yAF2Wxww5fETRncjLStmSvzW56d6VKgm1humTk/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaAzB-OBqZqus6DL5csYpnxkW8ricEyKuUvHMJxls8zU_239r3CRKNN7G6ekUIlSgJoknNtl0QHoXeYviX7w2lQD-6U_dq_oswM8H7yAF2Wxww5fETRncjLStmSvzW56d6VKgm1humTk/s1600/007.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06360453328685866786noreply@blogger.com0Oxford, Oxford, UK51.7520209 -1.257726300000058551.594735899999996 -1.5804498000000584 51.9093059 -0.93500280000005853