Study Visit Day 2

The Australian Museum

http://australianmuseum.net.au/Uploads/Images/20951/scientific%20publications%20library%20records_big.jpg

The Australian Museum library reflects the Museum's collecting areas and it is interesting how its development and growth over time has impacted on the role of the library – this is particularly so in the sense that older manuscripts and works are used as working references. The continued use of card catalogues, the inhouse designed classification system along with the need to digitise these presented interesting insights into library practice and challenges.  The extent of the rare book collection impacts on the role of the librarians who fulfill some of the preservation aspects of the collection along with regular duties. Although open to the public the libraries main focus was servicing the staff of the Museum and as such the acquisition of titles is driven by the users. Space, staffing and budget suggest that the library is under resourced for the scope of the job - a common theme in the cultural sector at the moment. I loved the stuffed bird and animal collection that made up part of the library collection 

The Art Gallery of NSW

The AGNSW library (once found) reflects the broader organisation and its goals .... namely Australian art. It was initially designed as a professional resource for staff but is now open to the public and utilised by arts students and commercial art market users (and those suffering from Museum fatigue). The visual arts focus mirrors the art collection and the nature of art has seen the library continue with print publications rather than digital. The library also functions as an archive of artist related materials including ephemera (not available to the public) which impacts on the roles of the librarians and sees the library placed in the curatorial and conservation department. Although digitising collections is desired, time and costs prevent much of this occurring. As trends in art have changed the collection of material and formats has altered requiring the library to provide different technology to access these materials and the development of a new room in which to view this material.