Joyful June: copyright law to change for the better

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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  LOOOONG-awaited changes to copyright exceptions are bringing complex and outdated legislation into line with the needs of modern teaching and research.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

Collection Care at the British Library

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The British Library's Preservation Advisory Centre was closed in March 2014.  Concerns about the loss of this valuable service were raised by many organisations and individuals.  It is a pity that it has not proved possible to find a way to fund it though it is good to note that the publications (such as the … Continue reading Collection Care at the British Library

Updating The Special Collections Directory

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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

BLPAC to close

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Bad news: the British Library's Preservation Advisory Centre is to close at the end of March.  See the statement on their website. If you've read the Handbook, you'll know how much I value BLPAC's work, especially the really useful free booklets and training courses.  They've also been an important cross-sector advocate for thinking strategically about … Continue reading BLPAC to close

Show, Tell + Play: sharing heritage projects and stuffed animals in Yorkshire

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On 24 October I went along to a great event offering "a playful space" for discussing heritage activities in Yorkshire: Heritage Show+Tell.  This uses a very effective format: 3 minutes, 3 slides per speaker.  No long presentations to write, no big commitment of time, a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The projects all had some relevance … Continue reading Show, Tell + Play: sharing heritage projects and stuffed animals in Yorkshire

To Have and To Hold: Historic Libraries Forum Annual Conference 2013

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Managers of special collections face difficult decisions: what to collect, what not to collect, how to accept new material etc, how to identify and deal with irrelevant material ...  This year's Historic Libraries Forum conference in London on 19 November will share best practice in collection management.   I'm speaking, along with Katie Flanagan from Brunel … Continue reading To Have and To Hold: Historic Libraries Forum Annual Conference 2013

Code of Practice for Cultural Collections Management

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Oops!  I realise I haven't mentioned the Code of Practice for Cultural Collections Management (PAS 197: 2009).  The Code is relevant to libraries, archives and museums, and offers a strategic framework for senior managers on collection management, development, information (i.e. cataloguing/metadata) and care. PAS 197 underlies the new archives accreditation standard, which is why I … Continue reading Code of Practice for Cultural Collections Management