How will librarians of the future learn from librarianship in our time? That's assuming they exist in some form (hope so!) and are interested. And what resources are available to help new librarians now get an overview of the whole profession? BLIW is the very thing these researchers need. Yes, Librarian of the future, we … Continue reading Better buy BLIW
Category: Resources
Special Collections in CILIP Update
Very pleased that the latest issue of CILIP Update features a section all about the latest in Special Collections. Special Collections is an incredibly dynamic and exciting area of library work, and it is good to see this feature in a title aimed at all librarians. There's a piece by Karen Attar about the new … Continue reading Special Collections in CILIP Update
Updating The Special Collections Directory
A Directory of Rare Book and Special Collections in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, a definitive reference book, was last updated in 1997. The world of special collections has changed a bit since then. Many new collections have come to light (including ours at Bradford University - we don't even have an entry … Continue reading Updating The Special Collections Directory
Too Many Collections, So Little Time?
Are you struggling with increasing numbers of users, demand for digital, crumbling collections, unsuitable storage space, intellectual property conundrums, born-digital collections, lack of skills, pressure of public sector cuts and recession ...? You are not alone! Two essential new reports reveal the challenges faced by UK special collections and archives and give us the evidence … Continue reading Too Many Collections, So Little Time?
Make the Most of Your Maps
Maps often occupy a paradoxical position in special collections. On the one hand, they are star items. People love maps, responding with delight to their personal ("there's my house!"), historic or visual interest. However, maps are often underexploited. They can be difficult to store, catalogue and make available in helpful ways. In particular, enquirers tend … Continue reading Make the Most of Your Maps
The Special Collections Handbook 