Making Archival and Special Collections More Accessible is a new publication whose name says it all. The good folk at OCLC Research have pulled together seven years of research and summarised it in this handy document. Some of the content will already be familiar to readers of this blog and the Handbook - but it … Continue reading The ILLiad, and other stories
Category: User services
Why do librarians tweet about cake?
I've taken on a challenging/fun writing project for 2016: summing up social media in libraries 2010-2015, for the next edition of British Librarianship and Information Work. Crumbs! The deadline is autumn 2016, but I've started work already as the piece will need a great deal of planning, research and reflection. Finding information and evidence so … Continue reading Why do librarians tweet about cake?
The Pukka Pad and the Big Cake: #DCDC14 Conference Part 1
Discovering Collections, Discovering Communities, a joint effort by RLUK and The National Archives, is fast becoming a must-attend conference for archives and special collections folk. The idea? We face tough times and huge challenges: let's collaborate and find new ways to survive and thrive. The second in the series was held last week in the … Continue reading The Pukka Pad and the Big Cake: #DCDC14 Conference Part 1
An Alien Territory? Local Studies versus Special Collections
Here's an interesting blog post by Tony Pilmer, a Local Studies librarian sharing what he learned from a year working in a library based in a think-tank/learned society. I agree: local studies and special collections work have masses in common. This is especially true of university special collections. I think I'm right in saying that … Continue reading An Alien Territory? Local Studies versus Special Collections
Joyful June: copyright law to change for the better
This June, copyright changes for the better! LOOOONG-awaited changes to copyright exceptions are bringing complex and outdated legislation into line with the needs of modern teaching and research. These changes will treat those using "non-text" materials more fairly, make preservation copying easier, and enable copying into accessible formats to support people with disabilities. The rights … Continue reading Joyful June: copyright law to change for the better
Bingo for Buttons: the archive accreditation workshop
Back in September (20th to be exact) I went along to a workshop on archives accreditation. Though I've been following the growth of the new standard pretty closely, I still found the event really helpful. If you're thinking of applying, do try to get to one of these sessions! What did I like about this … Continue reading Bingo for Buttons: the archive accreditation workshop
Access All Areas? a user’s perspective on archives by wheelchair
Here's an invaluable blog post by Viv Dunstan, a historical researcher who is a wheelchair user, on her experience of using archives. Searchrooms are often small, cramped spaces which are tricky to get around. Staff are helpful but there is only so much they can do. She explains the value of good quality catalogues which … Continue reading Access All Areas? a user’s perspective on archives by wheelchair
