There have been so many good library visits organised by groups already this year, and I've been able to go on quite a few of them. Last week I went on an ARLG London & South East visit to the Linnean Society of London.
The Society can be found in Burlington House in Piccadilly (near the Royal Academy); it is the world's oldest active biological society, founded in 1788. We were given a fascinating introduction to the history of the society, which takes its name from Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778), the Swedish naturalist whose collections form the backbone of the Society.
Our tour began in the Meeting Room, the equivalent of the room in the previous building where, over a century ago, Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace's paper on natural selection was presented. Portraits of the two now hang on the wall, while the current President conducts the meetings from a crocodile-skin chair. I was particularly interested to hear about Wallace: he has been largely overshadowed by Darwin, but he sounds like a fascinating character and was also a great believer in social reform.
We were then divided into two groups. My group headed towards the Library, where we got to see the beautiful Grand Reading Room, complete with galleries. The Library is a working research library which holds both historical and current materials. The Library continues to acquire materials, often those books published by members of the Society, the Natural History Museum, and Kew. There was an interesting display on Wallace, including the rolled-up skin of a python he shot on one of his expeditions, and his sketches and notes. The librarians had kindly got out a number of special items for us to look at, including some of Linnaeus' books and notecards.
Finally, we got to see the Linnean Collections, kept underground in a bomb-proof strongroom. Here we learned more about Carl Linnaeus and his work. It was fascinating to see early editions of his books and it was clear that he was considerably ahead of his time in many ways: for instance, his classification system for living things put humans next to apes - this was in the late eighteenth century. Some of his specimens, including butterflies and amazing beetles, are still on display.
Afterwards we headed back upstairs for tea, biscuits and a chat. Thank you to the staff at the Linnean Society for a fascinating afternoon.
ALISS Visit to the Library and Museum of Freemasonry
Back in January I went on an ALISS visit to the Library and Museum of Freemasonry in London. When I think of Freemasonry I think of the Stonecutters in The Simpsons - the secrecy surrounding Freemasonry and other such organisations is rather fascinating, and I was looking forward to having a look around.
The afternoon began with a tour of the Freemasons' Hall. Sadly photographs weren't permitted, but tours are run regularly for the general public and I strongly recommend you check it out - it is beautiful, with magnificent architecture (that has often been used in filming).
The library and museum is on the first floor of the building, which dates from 1927, and holds a collection of books, music and manuscripts on Freemasonry in England as well as some material from elsewhere in the world. The library is the repository for the archives of the United Grand Lodge of England and the Supreme Chapter of England and predecessor bodies. The library staff are kept busy with enquiries from Freemasons and also members of the public - family history queries are among the most common. I was surprised, and impressed, to learn that the materials are open to the public - I had expected that some at least would be confidential, or only accessible by Freemasons, but this is not the case.
The day ended with a visit to the archives and a look at some of the amazing documents held there. Sadly I had to leave a little before the end but I left much more enlightened about Freemasonry as a whole and their library and archive holdings.
The afternoon began with a tour of the Freemasons' Hall. Sadly photographs weren't permitted, but tours are run regularly for the general public and I strongly recommend you check it out - it is beautiful, with magnificent architecture (that has often been used in filming).
The library and museum is on the first floor of the building, which dates from 1927, and holds a collection of books, music and manuscripts on Freemasonry in England as well as some material from elsewhere in the world. The library is the repository for the archives of the United Grand Lodge of England and the Supreme Chapter of England and predecessor bodies. The library staff are kept busy with enquiries from Freemasons and also members of the public - family history queries are among the most common. I was surprised, and impressed, to learn that the materials are open to the public - I had expected that some at least would be confidential, or only accessible by Freemasons, but this is not the case.
The day ended with a visit to the archives and a look at some of the amazing documents held there. Sadly I had to leave a little before the end but I left much more enlightened about Freemasonry as a whole and their library and archive holdings.
ARLG London and South East Visit to the Architectural Association
On Tuesday 15 January I attended the CILIP Academic and Research Libraries Group (London and South East Section) visit to the Architectural Association Library. Located just round the corner from my workplace on Bedford Square, the Library is a hidden gem serving the needs of AA members and students.
Seated in the main Library room with its beautiful ceiling, we were given an introduction to the Library and its history by Librarian Eleanor Gawne. Founded in 1862, a few years after the AA itself was founded by some students dissatisfied with the current state of architectural education, the Library contains more than 45,000 volumes on the history of architecture, architectural theory, contemporary architectural design, building types, interior design, landscape design and supplementary subjects. The Library also holds journals and has a growing collection of e-journals and e-books.
I found the special collections particularly interesting. We were shown several volumes, including a Nuremberg Chronicle from the 15th century, donated by a former AA member. The designs and drawings in the architecture books were beautiful. After a break for tea and biscuits, we were introduced to the archives by Archivist Edward Bottoms. The archives contain material relating to the work of the AA, including architectural drawings and paintings, models and student projects, as well as the culture and history of the Association. Formal cataloguing began in 2010 and an online catalogue is imminent. The collections were fascinating – the highlight being the record of a festival run by AA students in Bedford Square in the Seventies, which involved an elephant, a rock band and fire-eaters in the Library!
I really enjoyed my visit to the Architectural Association. Thanks to all the AA staff and ARLG London and South East for sorting it.
Seated in the main Library room with its beautiful ceiling, we were given an introduction to the Library and its history by Librarian Eleanor Gawne. Founded in 1862, a few years after the AA itself was founded by some students dissatisfied with the current state of architectural education, the Library contains more than 45,000 volumes on the history of architecture, architectural theory, contemporary architectural design, building types, interior design, landscape design and supplementary subjects. The Library also holds journals and has a growing collection of e-journals and e-books.
I found the special collections particularly interesting. We were shown several volumes, including a Nuremberg Chronicle from the 15th century, donated by a former AA member. The designs and drawings in the architecture books were beautiful. After a break for tea and biscuits, we were introduced to the archives by Archivist Edward Bottoms. The archives contain material relating to the work of the AA, including architectural drawings and paintings, models and student projects, as well as the culture and history of the Association. Formal cataloguing began in 2010 and an online catalogue is imminent. The collections were fascinating – the highlight being the record of a festival run by AA students in Bedford Square in the Seventies, which involved an elephant, a rock band and fire-eaters in the Library!
I really enjoyed my visit to the Architectural Association. Thanks to all the AA staff and ARLG London and South East for sorting it.
2014 Resolutions
I probably shouldn't make New Year's Resolutions. They always backfire on me as I end up doing exactly the opposite to what I wanted. For instance, in 2013 I wanted to see fewer plays than in 2012; I actually ended up seeing twice as many. However, I can't seem to stop myself - I like to have something to aim for, even if I end up going in the opposite direction.
My big resolution this year is to register for Chartership. I wanted to wait until the new PKSB was introduced, as well as the VLE and online submission - this has now been done so I've no excuse, really. I have been in my current role for nearly three years and I think this is a good time to charter - I wouldn't want to begin with the additional stress of a new job at the same time.
I would also like to get involved in something else professionally, though I am currently rather vague as to what. For the last couple of years I have been Newsletter Editor for the Career Development Group (London & South East Division). Now that the CDG in London has merged with the London branch, I no longer have this role although I am still involved with the new committee. So I'm going to look around for something else to do.
My last resolution is to get more sleep. I spent much of last year feeling tired (largely for self-inflicted reasons - not going to bed early enough for instance!) and while I don't think it affected my work I definitely didn't feel at my best - and I got through an awful lot of coffee. This resolution isn't just for work - it will hopefully make me feel better in all areas of my life.
So there are my three resolutions for the year - I will check back in 12 months to see how I've done!
My big resolution this year is to register for Chartership. I wanted to wait until the new PKSB was introduced, as well as the VLE and online submission - this has now been done so I've no excuse, really. I have been in my current role for nearly three years and I think this is a good time to charter - I wouldn't want to begin with the additional stress of a new job at the same time.
I would also like to get involved in something else professionally, though I am currently rather vague as to what. For the last couple of years I have been Newsletter Editor for the Career Development Group (London & South East Division). Now that the CDG in London has merged with the London branch, I no longer have this role although I am still involved with the new committee. So I'm going to look around for something else to do.
My last resolution is to get more sleep. I spent much of last year feeling tired (largely for self-inflicted reasons - not going to bed early enough for instance!) and while I don't think it affected my work I definitely didn't feel at my best - and I got through an awful lot of coffee. This resolution isn't just for work - it will hopefully make me feel better in all areas of my life.
So there are my three resolutions for the year - I will check back in 12 months to see how I've done!
Productivity for Academic Librarians and Researchers: Session 26 - Wrapping Up
This was the final instalment of the Productivity for Academic Librarians and Researchers year of posts. Thank you to the organisers for a really interesting and useful year. Next year I would like to put into practice some of the concepts explored in more depth.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
Productivity for Academic Librarians and Researchers: Session 25 - Sources Revealed
The 25th blog post in the Productivity series looks at useful sources on productivity techniques. I don't think I can do better than simply link to the post, as it's fantastically useful.
http://www.academicpkm.org/2013/12/09/year-productivity-session-25-sources-revealed/
http://www.academicpkm.org/2013/12/09/year-productivity-session-25-sources-revealed/
Productivity for Academic Librarians and Researchers: Session 24 - Characteristics of a Vibrant Personal Learning Network
Session 24 of the Productivity for Academic Librarians and Researchers programme looks at learning communities. It suggests choosing an online community and actively participating, discussing topics and sharing links. It's good advice and something I intend to try.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)