Leaves from Library Log
[pg10]Foreign Journals
Some members may not be aware that the Library receives, by a simple process of free exchange with ourselves, a quantity of journals and yearbooks from several European learned bodies and societies which have similar interests to our own. Although some of these publications are in languages which might be a barrier to members, e.g. Flemish, Danish, others are offered in more accessible languages, and some contain articles in English, either as a full text, or as an abstract. Often produced from generously funded bases, these journals are lavishly illustrated, and if language is a problem, the illustrative matter alone repays scrutiny. Also, archaeological research in Belgium, Holland or Scandinavia has much in common with our own activities. A good example is the Journal of the National Service for Archaeological Heritage in the Netherlands. Printed in English, it contains several fascinating papers, profusely illustrated and with many maps and diagrams. An accompanying folder contains further maps and plans. Interested members will find it worthwhile to browse amongst these exchanged items. They do however, present problems of accommodation, which is always at a premium in our Library, and the question is raised, should we maintain permanent files of foreign journals, or should we regard them as expendable, perhaps retaining only issues over the last two or three years? The Hon. Librarian would like to hear opinion from members and to know how useful they have found these journals to be in their own work and fields of interest.
Gordon Ward Collections
The Society is fortunate in having at its disposal the considerable collections of Kent ephemera collected in the early years of the last century by Dr. Gordon Ward. For many years this collection has been housed in a series of place labelled folders, which in turn, were kept in filing cabinets. Volunteers are now examining these folders, listing contents, putting repairs and conservation in hand, and generally making the whole collection more accessible to researchers. As with any paper based archival material, the less physical handling material receives, the greater the opportunities for conservation. With this in mind, we intend to list the whole contents, by place name, on a data base in the Library; so that interested users can know immediately if any place file is likely to contain the information that they need without physical perusal taking place. It may also be possible to print out the contents of the collection so that it can be used as a guide and source by those who cannot make the Library without travelling long distances. The final plan is to house all of the contents in acid free folders, with a clear labelling and guiding system.
A significant new acquisition
The Library continually updates its stock, adding many items which are likely to be of use to current and future generations of members, and there are opportunities to acquire personal collections of significant value.
The Hon. Librarian has recently been able to acquire, from an individual, a number of books about Kent and which were not hitherto part of our stock. The same individual was willing to part with a collection of about 40 folders, each of which contained a quantity of guides to churches, castles, monuments, museums and transportation systems throughout the county.
The period covered ranges over about 50 years up to the current time. This fortunate acquisition reminds us that many such items are discarded once a visit, or a holiday is over, or personal papers are being weeded out, perhaps during probate or similar. The Hon. Librarian is always pleased to receive any items about Kent, and given the vast proliferation of guides and pamphlets, personal gifts are often the first time that we become aware of their existence. When one considers the importance of the many pamphlets that the Society so acquired in the early years of its existence, then one may more easily understand how relevant it is to continue with this process in the present.