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Graduate Trainee Events 2007-2008

Back to current Graduate Trainee events.

Library visits:

Picture of University Library

Other visits and events:

Christ's College

Training Opportunities

  • Introduction to MARC21
  • Introduction to electronic resources
  • Subject resources
  • Rare book cataloguing
  • Various html/computing courses, available through the University Computing Service
  • AACR2 training
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Visit Reports

University Library

Belying its intimidating and industrial-strength first impression, the Cambridge University Library proved, against our expectations, to be a warmer, friendlier place inside. Yes, everyone has a horror story about the UL. Flipping through college magazines from the last century, it is clear this is not a new phenomenon. One such from Christ's, after relating an undergraduate's unsuccessful attempt to read a rare book at the UL, ends with the moral/warning “after all, you know, the University Library is not really intended for the convenience of junior members of the university.”

What we understand better now after our tour is the complexity and enormity of the task involved in simply keeping such an institution running. As a Legal Deposit Library, the UL theoretically has received a copy of every book published in the country, since the eighteenth century. While many were deemed nonacademic and thus dumped in the Tower (it is really inconceivable...some have incredibly enticing titles such as The story of English windows by E.A. Humphery Fenn or Ronnie and the sacraments by Mrs A.C. Osborn Hann), the idea of receiving, cataloging, classifying, and then protecting and preserving, such a collection in an organized way is staggering.

After being led through the mazes of bookstacks behind, below, and beside the already overwhelming mazes of corridors available to a regular reader, as well as visiting the many departments and hubs of staff tucked away in office clusters, it is impressive that the University Library works as well as it does. And, as our guide pointed out, the UL offers competitive services – is the only Legal Deposit Library to have borrowing, and the retrieval rates for books in closed stacks are a fraction of the usual, due to the fact that all books are on site. We are very grateful to Colin Clarkson for initiating us into the mysteries of the Cambridge University Library.

Carolyn Keim, 9 November 2007

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Norwich Cathedral and Millennium Libraries

We began our day at the impressively modern Millennium Library, somewhat of a shock given its historic surroundings. This state of the art library has its origins in a rather sad occurrence, for Norwich Central Library was destroyed by fire in 1994, with the loss of some 220,000 volumes, including irreplaceable works on local history. However, such a disastrous event resulted in one of the most advanced and accessible public libraries of its day. The ground floor provides a welcoming environment, more like a branch of Borders than a library, with DVDs, CDs and books all displayed for easy access. Visitors were browsing happily and the issue desk was busy. The childrens' library was similarly well used, with real thought going into layout, decoration and interaction. Moving to the upper floors, PC stations are dotted around, often placed between bookshelves in an attempt to bring the two together; people may come in just to browse the internet, but find themselves spotting interesting books along the way. It is clear that library users have had their input into how the library should function and as a result, the library is thriving, constantly changing. Many new schemes are planned to open up more space to the public, remodelling existing areas of the library.

The afternoon was spent visiting the historic Norwich Cathedral Library, which has had a library virtually since its foundation in 1096. The present incarnation dates from the early 20th century and is mostly housed atop the cloisters. Upon entering the library, one steps into the newly built reading room, which incorporates bits of the old cathedral structure, once exposed to the elements, into a new structure which is sympathetic to the historic setting. A long space above the cloisters houses the historic collections bequeathed by local clergy and cathedral personalities over the past century. In this sense the library also serves as an archive, actively collecting material relating to such people, but also ephemeral material such as service sheets, sermons and the like. The librarian has made a conscious effort to bring people into the library, encouraging groups to visit and promoting its diverse collections with exhibitions. Unlike the public library, or an academic college library, the cathedral library does not have an obvious audience. Whilst it might be primarily used by cathedral clergy, its wide range of material not only on theology but also local history makes it an important local resource, but one in which the balance between accessibility, space and use is ever present.

Having visited two very different libraries we have seen many of the innumerable issues which arise from different sectors of librarianship. The public library in Norwich has catered extremely well for a wide range of people, and the input of users is clear to see. Similarly the cathedral library has done well to promote itself as a wealth of information on local history, difficult given issues of accessibility. We have all been inspired by the many ways in which libraries in different sectors have managed to deal well with such a fluid existence.

Liam Sims, 11 December 2007

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Trinity College Library

In early January some of us made our way over to Trinity College, where trainee Liam Sims acted as our host and guide for the afternoon. The trainee's duties at Trinity actually involve working in two libraries - the main student library, and the beautiful Wren Library, which houses many of the college's collections of rare books and manuscripts.

The student library is in many respects similar to most of the other College libraries. It aims to cater for all Trinity's undergraduates, with a separate law reading room exclusively for law students. In addition to providing books from all the reading lists, the library receives a huge number of periodicals, with the trainee heavily involved in their day-to-day management.

However, the main feature of the visit was a tour of the Wren library, named for the architect Christopher Wren, and completed in 1695. It contains various special collections from medieval books to 18th Century manuscripts. Among the library's treasures are curiosities such as Newton's death mask and books from his personal library, A.A. Milne manuscripts, the 13th Century Trinity Apocalypse and the 12th Century Eadwine Psalter.

After the tour we had the opportunity to have a closer look at some of the rare books and manuscripts chosen by Liam for their particular interest. On our way out we had time to admire the marble busts of famous Trinity alumni peering down at us from the top of the bookcases, and the larger-than-life statue of Lord Byron, before finishing our visit with the customary tea and biscuits.

Katy Makin, 31 July 2008

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Anglia Ruskin Library

In the midst of the sea of academic libraries that support the University of Cambridge lies a separate academic library which could not be more different. As graduate trainees we have become increasingly aware of the vast range and variety there is in a career in librarianship. Our trip to Anglia Ruskin University showed us that even in comparisons of just academic libraries, there is a far greater diversity than anyone would initially imagine.

Our host for the afternoon, Jenny Cefai, Academic Liaison Librarian for Arts, Law & Social Sciences explained that Anglia Ruskin University Library does not attempt to ‘compete’ with Cambridge University Libraries – its user-base of nearly 30,000 students and members of the public are of a very different demographic. A high percentage of the libraries users are either part-time or distance learners, participating in largely vocational courses, and so the library is set up and run accordingly.

Anglia Ruskin University Library actually has sites in Chelmsford, Fulborn and Peterborough, as well as Cambridge. The Cambridge site had a re-furb in the summer of 2006, and has some impressively modern facilities. 90% of all book issues are now done on self-service machines, and there are a huge array of computers and study areas available. (Although, as with all libraries it seems, further space is wanted!) State-of-the-art meeting rooms are also available. Partly due to the self-issue service, librarians are afforded more time to engage with students with enquiry work, and are heavily involved in teaching research skills.

Mainly due to the student demographic, (and to a certain extent because of a rather challenging % growth target of book stock), Anglia Ruskin University Library has invested significantly on E-book titles and online access to journals. This was a very intriguing and exciting setup to see, and the way it has been integrated with the library' modern OPAC particularly impressive.

One issue that struck me on this tour is that a library with all the holdings in the world is made basically redundant if there is no access to it. Anglia Ruskin University Library cannot compete with the holdings of other academic libraries, but its emphasis on access – with different groups of people as well as online – rather than holdings is a very important point to consider. Judging by the numbers of people in the library during our visit, this is certainly one factor that makes this library so popular.

Liam Austin, 14 March 2008

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Scott Polar Research Institute

On a cold February afternoon, we presented ourselves at the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge for a tour around the library and archives. None of us knew what to expect from the visit, but were faced with a friendly, warm and welcoming interior. We were met by the librarian, Heather Lane, whose enthusiasm and deep knowledge about the Institute and its aims helped make the visit interesting and valuable. One of the first things we saw was the bell rescued from the Terra Nova ship, sailed by Captain Robert Falcon Scott, now used as a signal for tea time, which we thought was suitably impressive.

The Institute was founded in 1920 as a memorial to Captain Robert Falcon Scott and his travelling companions, who died on their way back from the South Pole in 1912. The Library, including the Shackleton Memorial Library, contains publications in more than seventy languages and links the history of polar exploration with modern environmental and social research. The library also houses historic photographs and paintings of the Polar Regions, some of which are exhibited in the Shackleton Memorial Library. The archives are a mine of hidden treasures, from paintings and maps, to unpublished letters of polar explorers. The library provides a very quiet and pleasant atmosphere in which to study, and holds one of the world's best collections related to the Polar Regions.

We were all struck by the fact that the collections are not only fascinating, but of huge importance, both in terms of history and in terms of current research into the polar world.

Hazel Pointon, 8 March 2008

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National Art Library

The National Art Library is housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum, although after visiting, I am not sure that the word national is appropriate. The collection began as the library of the School of Design, based in Marlborough and Somerset Houses, in the early 19th century, providing what were essentially textbooks for students. It was incorporated into the South Kensington Museum, which grew out of the success of the Great Exhibition of 1851 (the library still contains many original documents and personal diaries relating to the exhibition), and which, in 1899, become the Victoria and Albert Museum. Two large bequests in the 1870s turned what was still quite an insignificant collection into one of national importance, and the library one sees today, with its rather palatial reading rooms and fine polished wooden desks, dates from 1884. Since that time, material has been both bought by and gifted to the library, resulting in the 2 million items held there today, of which around 900,000 are books.

National is not the right word for this library, as its holdings are truly international in scope, both in terms of the languages covered and of the subjects collected. The library attracts over 100 visitors every day, and the 55 staff (cut down recently from around 75) provide an essential service to visiting scholars and ordinary members of the public; the library is open from Tuesday to Saturday and anyone can walk in, register as a reader and peruse a wide range of material, from 15th century illuminated manuscripts and early printed books, to early auction catalogues and books on contemporary art and design. Whilst this is a library of international importance, it is somewhat restricted by its ties with the museum. Although it receives generous funding from the museum governing body, it has recently lost a large amount of its space to other museum staff, compounding the ever-present issue of space. It also seems that with changes in the museum directorship, the fortunes of the library can change quite rapidly, either for better or worse. This is clearly a unique collection, an unparalleled resource for anyone interested in any field of art and design history, and one which really must be valued as such.

Liam Sims, 16 April 2008

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Institute of Chartered Accountants

After visiting the National Art Library and a quick lunch, we moved on to see the library of the Chartered Institute of Accountants, which is located in the City of London. Founded in the 1880s, the institute has around 130,000 members in some 160 countries, and as we learned, provides much more than just books. To use the words of the librarian who showed us around the library, it provides a cradle to grave service; from accountancy students in the early days of their careers, through to chartered and practising members, and those at the end of their careers, all aspects of the field are covered. Information is even provided on buying retirement property overseas. Of course there are books – 40,000 or so – but in the fast-paced world of finance, members of the institute are provided with a wide range of services, in both electronic and print formats, and in person. For example, it was noted that members often do not have time to do time-consuming research themselves, so ask library staff if they can help.

The library's website is easy to use and well maintained, providing a wealth of information on all aspects of accountancy, with many online journals and much more. Links are provided to sites which may be of interest to members, and the library catalogue links directly to Amazon to enable members to buy books easily themselves should they wish, with a minimum amount of fuss. The 17 staff work both behind the scenes and deal with reader enquiries at the busy issue desk, which ensures everyone knows what members' interests are. The library is about to be expanded and refurbished, providing more space for readers and better accommodation for staff, which will help to keep this an exceedingly efficient and well-used institution, with a wide range of users.

Liam Sims, 16 April 2008

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Corpus Christi College

We began our visit to Corpus with the Parker Library, which holds one of the world's most impressive collections of rare books and manuscripts, and were given an enthusiastic introduction by the Fellow Librarian Dr Christopher de Hamel, who was accompanied by Martin Schøyen, perhaps the most prolific collector of manuscripts alive today. The library was begun by Matthew Parker, sometime master of Corpus and Archbishop of Canterbury, in the mid 16th century, and grew out of the religious reformation of that period. Parker was at the very forefront of the growth of the newly established Church of England, and sought precedents for his changes, unpopular with many, in the books he found around him – he had been given express permission by Elizabeth I to seek out “auncient recordes or monumentes” from libraries all over the country.

Many of the books he brought to Corpus came from the library at Canterbury, and some of the most significant books surviving today are now in the Parker Library, including a quarter of all Anglo-Saxon manuscripts, and what has been called “the single most important book in England,” an illustrated Italian Gospel Book thought to have been sent to St Augustine of Canterbury by Pope Gregory the Great in AD597. This is the oldest illustrated Latin Gospel Book in existence, and a direct link to the very beginnings of Christianity in this country. We were shown some of the books in the library, including an 11th century Pontifical which is believed to be depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, the magnificent 12th century Bury Bible, and an early 15th century copy of Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde, with its famous frontispiece illustration of Chaucer addressing a group of nobles in a landscape in front of a mythical castle. The library is not, however, merely an historic institution. A project to digitise every page of the five hundred or so manuscripts in the library is underway, and when complete, this will be the first library to have all its manuscripts available online. The project will open access to this invaluable collection to all, and no doubt increase interest in its contents.

After a fine lunch in the Hall, we saw the newly opened Taylor Library. The library has state-of-the-art self-issuing and an increased book stock, which is shelved over three floors, with plenty of space for students to work. New facilities include a media room and improved staff working areas, including the graduate trainee office, of which we were all very envious.

Liam Sims, 16 April 2008

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Cambridge Conservation Consortium

After visiting the Parker Library and the new Taylor Library, we moved on to see the Conservation Consortium, which is also based at Corpus, but which provides help for all the Cambridge college libraries. The team of three are responsible for rebinding rare books and manuscripts using appropriate techniques, and conserving paper and vellum. Throughout history, there have been many changes in the construction of the book. Medieval manuscripts were sewn securely along the spine, and heavy wooden boards were attached, giving a book that was well constructed and durable. By the 18th century, book collecting had become very popular and the construction of books became centred more on their appearance, with heavily decorated spines which were not designed for regular use. Many important books were rebound during this time and into the 20th century, so that collectors' libraries had a uniform appearance. The result was that those Cambridge colleges with plenty of money often rebound their books, losing the original decorated wooden boards in favour of using materials and methods which were more appropriate for modern books, which actually resulted in their deterioration in some cases. The Consortium has sought to return to the methods originally used to ensure these important artefacts will survive well into the future.

Liam Sims 16, April 2008

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Oxford

Unfortunately, it is unlikely that there will be an official visit to Oxford University this academic year. Nonetheless we will keep you updated if this changes.

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British Library

As part of the AUKML open day, some of us were fortunate enough to be given a tour of the British Library at St. Pancras. Like Cambridge University Library, the British Library is a legal deposit centre, meaning it receives every publication that is printed in the UK. This results in a vast stock of 150 million items, mind-boggling when you consider that each year another 3 million items are added to this! The total 625km of shelving completely dwarfs our respective libraries in Cambridge, and shows just how many books one will never be able to read.

The British Library was first put into operation in July 1973, after the merging of the British Museum (founded 1753) with other major institutions to form a national library.The library was originally housed at the British Museum itself before being moved to a purpose-built building on the current site on Euston Road in 1997. This impressive and imaginative building, designed by Colin St. John Wilson, resembles a massive cruise-liner or even a war-ship if you look at it from the right angle. This nautical connection hopefully does not imply that all libraries are lost at sea in some way!

Storage is obviously a major concern of the library, with the shelving system functioning primarily through size (much like our own University Library). The site goes 24.5 metres into the ground as a result of the massive stock, and is (theoretically) secure from the possible threat of flooding. Partly due to its close associations with the British Museum, the library has a number of particularly significant materials in stock. The magnificent King's Library (the library of King George III), the Magna Carta and the Lindisfarne Gospels are some of the most famous, along with the world's largest book (readers are no longer allowed to open the latter due to the fragile spine, though they can still order the book to look at!).

The library is unique in that it aims to provide resources for both the general public and academics doing research, with 1200 spaces for readers. There is no charge for a reader's pass, which can be obtained through an application supported by two forms of ID. This is a remarkable facility open to all who need to use it. On the tour, we were shown how readers order books to consult, and how books are tracked through the whole building via remote technology. The British Library also provides facilities for those unable to come to the library, with a reproductions department, document supply centre and an online Integrated Catalogue. This catalogue is often consulted by libraries in Britain (and beyond) as a solid framework upon which accurate cataloguing can be based.

The tour of the British Library was mind-blowing to say the least. I have to say that despite my awe at its massive stock, I was relieved to return to my college library, which has only 50,000 books!

Ray Harper 2 January 2008

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Wellcome Library

During our AUKML day, some of us chose to go on the tour of the Wellcome Library. I was particularly interested in seeing it as I am considering Health Informatics as a career option.

As we waited for our guides we had a chance to take in what was a very impressive and welcoming (no pun intended!) light and airy foyer space, with a café, information desk, and a large exhibition space off to one side. Our guide subsequently explained to us that a renovation and extension of the original library had recently been completed, including the foyer, and newly extended archive and open shelf areas.

To begin with however, we went in the impressive original art deco lift down to the basement to view the extensive archives. These were kept in many rows of moveable stacks, in a similar manner to the Cambridge University Library. We were surprised to find out that as well as rare books and archives and manuscripts, there were also less expected collections including the Asian collection (including manuscripts made from silk and bamboo), the Moving Sound and Image collection, and the Iconographic collection. In the latter collection, we saw a painting depicting Prince Albert's death bed scene, with Queen Victoria and her children at his bedside. When she saw it, Queen Victoria had demanded that the painting must not be seen by the public due to its intimate nature.

On the second half of the tour, we saw the open shelf areas with extensive collections of medical books and journals, and also of more general health and well-being related subjects. One area was specifically organised to have health information on current popular interest health issues, such as bird flu and allergies. The newly built open shelf areas have desks where readers can use their laptops, as well as providing access to computers, printers and wifi.

Having completed our tour, we felt it had been well worth the visit, as it showed an example of a library committed to providing up-to-date facilities and information for its readers, with fascinating collections, and impressive spaces in which they were kept. The library is open to the public and anyone can book a tour to see it: see here for further information.

Catrin Lewis, 30 November 2007

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Faculty of Divinity and Marshall Libraries

Before our session on library school applications we had a quick tour of the library at the faculty of divinity. Based in the top floor of the new department building, it is a light and modern room. The circular shape is used to provide space for readers in the centre of the room and around the edges of the shelves. The library is also a very quiet place to study; not wanting to disturb the students we kept our visit brief.

After the workshop we made our way to the Marshall Library of Economics, which is also located on the Sidgwick Site. Nevertheless, finding the right building proved a bigger challenge than we anticipated and we had to ask for directions! Once inside we were met by the librarian, Rowland Thomas, who (unsurprisingly) has a wealth of knowledge concerning the Marshall Library. The library is named in memory of Professor Alfred Marshall, who bequeathed most of his books and much of his money in the 1920s, and has stood in its present location since the 1960s.

The most interesting points we observed were the display of damaged books and the library rules, which have a close relationship to one another. Particularly significant is the rule reminding students to take care of books on rainy days, after an important book was once dropped in a puddle and dried next to an open fire (therefore left both water-damaged and singed). The amount of writing and marking in books has prompted the library to take the rather drastic step of keeping a record of readers' handwriting in order to catch persistent offenders. Surprisingly, one of the largest fines for marking books was issued not to a student but to a member of the clergy.

The library has one of the best collections of economics literature in the country, with 70,000 books and working papers and over 30,000 journal volumes. The shelves are also full of multiple copies of the most heavily used texts – it's not unusual for the library to purchase ten or more copies of certain books. Cambridge economics students should consider themselves very fortunate!

Katy Makin, 5 December 2007

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Trinity Hall Library

One of the oldest colleges of the university, Trinity Hall was founded in 1350 by Bishop Bateman, and in the original charter (a later copy from 1352 is displayed in the library today) he stipulated that “All books of the College [are] to be kept in some safe room … [and] The books of the Doctors of Civil and Canon law are to remain continuously in the said Library Chamber fastened with iron chains for the common use of the Fellows.” The study of law was popular at the time, Bologna being the main centre in the medieval period, and these books were essentially for reference, hence they were not to be removed, not unlike the reference section in a modern library. This first library was probably in a room next to the chapel.

The present (old) library, built c.1590, was the first purpose built library in Cambridge, and today it is the oldest Cambridge library still in its original setting, an impressive 16th century red-brick construction. Entering the room is like stepping back in time, with the original furniture still in place and books displayed on the lecterns above the shelves. The iron chains mentioned by Bateman continued to be used when the current library was built. A long rod passes through the middle of each bookcase, onto which the chain attached to each book is fitted. A lock at the end of each stack, opened by two keys (no one person could remove books), allows the rod to be removed and the books to be freed. Only two books remain chained today – both printed books from the early 16th century. Some twenty-seven medieval manuscripts are held in the library today, from the mid-11th century Life of Martin of Tours, possibly copied in Canterbury, to the huge early 15th century History of St Augustine's Abbey of Canterbury. This is perhaps the most important manuscript in the collection, containing copies of Anglo-Saxon and medieval charters since destroyed. Gems in the printed collections include a Latin Bible printed by Peter Schoeffer in 1472, and a hand-coloured copy of the Nuremberg Chronicle from 1493, still in its original binding. Books were bought, collected and gifted throughout the years, and in the mid-18th century the college took a subscription to Diderot's Encyclopedie, one of the most famous publications of the century. In thirty-five folio volumes this attempted to show man's achievements in the broad fields of the arts and sciences, and included eleven volumes of plates. This is an incredibly valuable book today, and Trinity Hall is lucky enough to possess the first edition, one which, from the state of the bindings, was well used.

After tea and biscuits in a beautiful panelled room adjoining the Old Library, we moved on to see the modern library, which was refurbished and extended between 1995 and 2000 to form the Jerwood Library. The striking building juts out onto the river, the materials and styles blending well with the old Elizabethan structures around it. A computer room has been ingeniously fitted into the apex of the roof, and several floors below house the books. This is a well-conceived and well-built library, and one which at the same time provides a relaxed atmosphere for library users.

Liam Sims, 23 July 2008

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Eton College Library

After visiting the Royal Library at Windsor, we headed off to nearby Eton for a visit and talk in the College Library there. Eton College, founded by King Henry VI in 1440, exudes historical importance, and the library typifies this prizing of historical value. The collection includes around 200 Medieval manuscripts, 200 incunabula, and various other books from the start of printing through the Early Modern period to the present. Chief among its important treasures is an early printed copy of the Bible, produced at Gutenberg's press in Mainz, and one of only 21 existing perfect copies in the world. This was the first major work to be printed with moveable type rather than copied by hand, and so marks a crucial moment in the shift from manuscript to print, the effects of which libraries still feel today.

The library also holds materials of high literary value, from original editions of Thomas Hardy and Charles Dickens, to written correspondence from Oscar Wilde and William Wordsworth. An original edition of Ben Jonson's 'Workes', with its magnificent title page, is another important text in the collection. Original manuscripts and early editions of Susan Hill's 'The Woman in Black' have been carefully accumulated, along with related ephemera like theatre programmes and photos of the stage version. Perhaps the library's most significant literary material is an original manuscript of Thomas Gray's 'Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard' one of the most influential poems in the English language. Gray, of course, went on to study and teach at both Peterhouse and Pembroke Colleges in Cambridge. It was incredible to see a manuscript which has such a significant place in national heritage.

The content of the library was amazing; of the libraries we have visited this year, perhaps only Trinity College Library and the Parker Library better it. Most refreshing of all is the aim of the library to play an active role in education and research and to use its fantastic collections to help people learn more about the history and significance of literature and the book. The library is open to visits from scholars, researchers, and undergraduates, as well as hosting a number of educational sessions for current students of Eton. I was personally struck by the enthusiasm and knowledge of the staff, who perform an excellent job in making such a fine collection available as a resource for the provision of education and learning.

Ray Harper, 14 August 2008

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The Royal Library

We set off early on a sunny July morning to reach Windsor on the minibus. However, on arrival at Windsor the weather closed in, so we spent some time warming up with coffees (and, in some cases, bacon butties!) in Café Rouge.

A bit later on, we made our way to the entrance of Windsor Castle, where we were separated from the surrounding crowds and vetted by the police to enter the Royal Library. We were led past the crowds round to a secret gate in the wall, where we were ushered through quickly to avoid trespassers from getting through!

Once we reached the private quarters of the castle, we were taken through to a beautiful room with old wooden book cases – but we still weren't there yet! We made our way up a winding wooden staircase which finally did open onto the wonderful library, lined from floor to ceiling with a vast array of books resting on ornate shelves. Large cabinets filled the centre of the room, displaying a fantastic collection of rare books for us to view – we could even turn the pages of many of them.

First we were introduced to the Librarian and her staff. The Librarian gave us an excellent summary of the history of the library, first created by William the Fourth in the 1830s. For details, click here.

We felt very privileged as we viewed such books as the beautifully illuminated Sobieski Book of Hours, c.1420-5, and the Mainz Psalter of 1457 (the second book printed with movable metal type).

We then moved through to a second, even more ornate room, with a richly decorated ceiling, oak panelled walls, and stunning views from the windows. We weren' there to look at the views though! Instead we pored over such items as a manuscript written by Charles the Second, and were fascinated to see many relics from the past (including the rather grizzly shirt worn by Charles the First for his execution). There was also an eclectic display of gifts given to the Queen and Prince Phillip on their travels, that were fun to look at – items such as a miniature replica of a radio telescope, and toy plane.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and felt very privileged to have had the opportunity to visit such a special and unique library.

Catrin Dean, 8 October 2008

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Events Reports

CILIP Open Day

In late September 2007, we made our way down to CILIP headquarters, (the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals) for the 2007 CILIP graduate open day.

Attendees at the event varied from students already tackling an MA in library studies, to people simply looking into the career as an information professional. There were also of course, other graduate trainees as well as ourselves, so the day was very useful in being able to talk and ‘network’ not just with professionals from within CILIP, but other people at the beginning of their careers as well.

The day was made up of various talks, all giving a range of insight into the world of information professionals, and various hints and tips for us to consider. Talks included presentations about library school and important factors such as interviews, application and funding, as well as a presentation about presentations! (which was actually rather good.) There was also three ‘case studies’ from current information professionals in the different fields of social care, accountancy, and surveyors. In the background to this, INFOmatch were also present, who gave specific advice regarding C.V.s aimed at the library sector.

Overall the open day was a very useful introduction to CILIP and a career in the information and library area.

Liam Austin, 16 November 2007

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Assocation of UK Media Librarians Open Day

This open day in London began with a talk by Professor Oppenheim from Loughborough University. He talked about different aspects of the 'library professional' job, offered advice on the various Masters programmes, and, more importantly, raised a smile or two with his tale of the largest hole in the world (in Loughborough!). It was useful to hear from an academic with valuable experience and 'know-how' in the area, and to gain a basic knowledge of what a Masters in the library and information management area involves.

Next we heard from Sue Hill Recruitment, a firm who recruit library and information professionals. They offered practical advice on looking for employment opportunities and pointed out the value of developing 'soft' and 'hard' skills. It may sound like meaningless jargon, but on a CV or application form, well-chosen phrases and words can make all the difference.

The rest of the day we heard from professionals from a range of different libraries and information management offices. Librarians from law firms (Nabarro, Eversheds) spoke enthusiastically of the employment opportunities available in the legal sector. I had previously thought that working in the legal sector was off-limits to people without a law background, but this changed when I heard that one of the legal librarians had an unrelated degree in Biology! They spoke of the dynamic and busy character of law library work, and of the ever-changing nature of the information management profession with the development of ICT.

We also heard from librarians within the media sector and those working closely with journalists. A librarian and a researcher from The Guardian explained the kind of work involved in media libraries, and this was extended by another professional from the News International group. The work seemed interesting, though we were warned that employment opportunities were few and far between. (Apparently, a couple of newspaper libraries have closed in recent years due to the development of IT and the digitisation of news). Nonetheless, interesting stuff.

On the whole, the day gave us a useful insight into the incredible variation found in library and information work, and into related training and employment opportunities. Perhaps the major theme was the manner in which computer technology has impacted on the job of the library and information professional, and the importance of responding to the issues raised by this in an enthusiastic, dynamic and creative way.

Ray Harper, 29 November 2007

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Session on Library School Applications

This year's session on library school applications was conducted by Alice Hinkins, senior library assistant at the faculty of divinity, and Claire Warwick, a senior lecturer and programme director at UCL. Alice has completed the UCL course part-time, and it was interesting to hear something about alternative ways of studying as I had only ever considered doing an MA full-time. Part-time study is not to be undertaken lightly, and it's important that you live close enough to your institution to travel there at least once a week. It should also be remembered that when you are not at university you will probably be working 9-5, and need to find extra time to do coursework. That said, there are some benefits from doing a part-time course, not least the financial stability. The type of course you wish to study will also influence your choice of university, as each institution offers different options.

Claire Warwick reminded us that not all library courses are the same! Aside from offering different optional modules, some courses can be focused towards information management, media librarianship, or electronic communication to name but a few, so it is worth thinking about what your long-term career goals are. Whatever choice you make, it is advisable to find a course accredited by CILIP as this will eventually enable you to work towards chartership.

Another important topic covered was the application process. Personal statements had been the source of some confusion, so it was reassuring to hear from Claire what universities (or at least UCL) are looking for. She advised us to write about what we currently do, what we enjoy about our jobs, why we want to study the particular course, and what optional modules we might like to do (although this is by no means binding). The personal statement is often used as a basis for your interview, so don't write anything you wouldn't be prepared to answer questions about! Claire explained that an interview for graduate students isn't supposed to be intimidating, it is a chance for the interviewers to meet you and make sure you would cope with the course.

Last, but certainly not least, is the issue of funding. You should be able to fund your course without relying on a grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council - some universities, if not all, will want to see evidence of this at some point during the application/admissions process. Only a small proportion of students each year get AHRC funding, which is allocated on the basis of academic achievement rather than means-testing. More information can be found here.

Katy Makin, 2 December 2007

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Social Gatherings

One of the many advantages of the graduate trainee programme at Cambridge is the opportunity to meet and socialise with other trainees in a similar position. We generally go for a weekly drink after work, discussing our respective library experiences at Cambridge in the process.

Ray Harper, 2 January 2008

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Cambridge University Press

We began our visit to CUP with a history of the press from the Director, and an introduction to the kinds of texts it publishes. The press was founded in 1534 by Henry VIII and is now the oldest printing business in the world. According to the King's original charter, the press was established for "disseminating scholarship and knowledge," which remains the primary objective today. The first book was not printed until 1584, and into the 17th century the press mainly produced religious and political texts, including Bibles. By the 19th century, Bibles produced here were being used in the British religious missions, spreading the Anglican tradition throughout the East. This was also a century of change, with new mechanised processes increasing production. It was also interesting to hear that that project which was to become the Oxford English Dictionary was first taken to CUP in 1877, who rejected it on the grounds that it would be too expensive and wouldn't sell. That OUP accepted the job is one of the main reasons for their turnover being three times that of CUP. By the early 20th century, it was obvious that the press was not reaching its full potential and in the 1970s the organisation was streamlined and the press continues today as a successful business, with divisions in many continents.

The governing body of Syndics, a group of academics, meets regularly in Cambridge. They must agree upon a book if it is to be published. The press is a not–for–profit organisation, but whilst the primary objective is to disseminate scholarship and knowledge, money has to be made. About 1300 new books are printed every year, and some 20,000 titles are currently in production (both new and backlist texts), with academic monographs providing over a quarter of this figure. The press provides an interesting mixture of history and modernity, still adhering to its founding principles, but in an ever–changing world. Amazon is now one of CUP's main customers, and they even sell to a seller on eBay who sells their books in an online shop. Many of their most popular titles, for example the "Cambridge Histories" series, are now available online through the website, and eBooks can be bought too. All of this will help them to remain a successful business, and one of the world's most respected publishers.

After the talk we were given a tour of the printing house itself. With a staff of around 250 the press is self–sufficient. All the processes from receiving the author's text in PDF format, to the finished book take place under the same roof. The process is largely computerised, with metal type no longer used. Large sheets of metal with imprints of text pages on their surface are passed through huge printers, which expose this image onto equally large sheets of paper (onto which 16 pages are printed). Even larger printers are used for colour printing, with each sheet passing through four printers in a line. Computers test the quality of the printed colours to ensure continuity. Once printed, the sheets are folded and cut. A long conveyor–belt collates the gatherings in the right order, attaches a paper cover (if the book is paperback), which is finally cut to the right size and packed ready for delivery. As someone interested in early printing, I was fascinated to see just how much book production has changed with modern technology, and to gain an understanding of the overall organisation of such a huge operation.

Liam Sims, 10 July 2008

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