Month: October 2018

Luckily as far as we know the Archer Library is not haunted… however read more about five libraries that are haunted! And warning to all our future scholars: never ever spoil book endings if you are doing research on the Antarctic. If you are on campus check out the Spooky Stories display, and did you also wake up today wanting to know why librarians love Edgar Allan Poe?

Since it’s Halloween, we would like to treat the university community to some library treasures that can also be accessed off campus. The trick is to click on the link in the “View It” catalogue record. The Database Sage Research Methods Cases is now on trial, so check out this case study about researching online Halloween images. And get last-minute inspiration to dress up your pet for Halloween with Dog trick or cat treat pets dress up for Halloween.

Did you know that the Archer Library has a collection of rare books, including a large collection of rare Robinson Crusoe editions? Libraries are full of exciting collections and unusual treasures, as can be found at the famous Library of Congress: The Library of Congress (Washington, DC, USA) is the proud owner of the world’s biggest comic book collection (over 100,000 comic books)!

Further Reading: http://librarysciencelist.com/25-coolest-things-about-library-of-congress/

Photo credit: https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/05/library-of-congress-recieves-donation-of-popular-a.html 

Sometimes books are returned to us with some interesting extras (personal notes, pressed flowers), and sometimes the books themselves return in…interesting conditions.

The patron who returned this book said that her dog had become frightened during a thunderstorm and, in its distress, chewed the binding of her library book.  The friend who accompanied the patron noted that animal glues (including rabbit) are sometimes used in book binding. Perhaps this attracted the dog to the book?

To learn all you ever wanted to know about book binding glues (and how to make them!), check out this page.

The Archer Library is well-known for it’s stunning internal architecture. Many libraries around the world are also wonderful attractions and tourist sites, such as the Tianjin Binhai Library. Built in 2017, this library is located in China and is an amazing architectural specimen. It is both artistic and practical, with an impressive collection of books and services. It’s interesting to note that the spines of the books seen in the main auditorium are actually just spines of books that are printed and pasted to the walls.

Further reading: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianjin_Binhai_Library

Photo credit: http://aasarchitecture.com/2017/11/tianjin-binhai-library-mvrdv.html/tianjin-binhai-library-by-mvrdv-04

Every month yoURArcher blog will be profiling a staff member so you can get to know the people behind all the library magic.

This month we’d like to introduce you to Angela Asherbranner, one of our valued User Services employees.  Angela has a Master’s of Fine Arts and performs wizardry with maps, videos, and illustrations.  Her hobbies include MMOs and serving her feline masters.

What’s the one book you suggest everyone read?  Why?

Non-fiction:  Il Libro dell’Arte, Cennino Cennini.  Fascinating insight into the culture, materials and techniques of 14^th Century Italian artists.  Many of the methods are still valid today.

Fiction:  Strangers, Dean Koontz.  Fun story of suspense and drama with an unexpected ending.

Who are your favourite writers?

Dean Koontz
Edward Johnston
Nicholas Hilliard

What’s one skill that everyone should develop?

Technology skills beyond the basics.

Which person – living or dead – do you most admire?

Nicholas Hilliard

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I don’t know, I’m not done achieving yet.  So far, any achievements related to my professional development as a Digital Artist.

Where would you most like to live?

Anywhere they never heard of snow.

What is your most treasured possession?

My two adorable, demanding cats, my 18.5′ Alienware laptop with dual Nvidia graphic cards.

What’s one powerful piece of advice for living a fulfilling life?

Never believe anyone who tells you that you can’t do something.

“Watching patrons trying to find things in the collection after shifting”

GIF – www.libraryproblems.com – 30 May 2015

As you may have experienced we are working on a shifting project in the Archer Library.

When this project is completed the library users and visitors will be able to enjoy more  window views from each library floor. We have already compressed the journals on the 5th floor and have moved part of the collection on the 4th floor to the 5th floor. Currently the library staff is moving the collection on the 4th floor. And when that is completed part of the 3rd floor will be moved to the 4th floor. And last but not least the 3rd floor will be shifted to create the “Library with a View” areas on the 3rd, 4th and 5th floor of the Archer Library building.

We recommend a visit to the website Library Problems, created by William Ottens (MLS); if you want to have a laugh at common librarian frustrations.