The Bodleian is the second largest library in England a famous library, which is one of the oldest libraries in Europe. It is used as a research library at Oxford University and simultaneously acts as a legal deposit library. Similar to the State Library of Victoria having the staggering range and value of their resources, items cannot be borrowed and are used as reference tools only.
This academic library was established in 1602. The library follows strict procedure one that caught my interest, which reinforces that items must be kept in its original enclosure “I hereby undertake not to remove from the Library, nor to mark, deface, or injure in any way, any volume, document or other object belonging to it or in its custody; not to bring into the Library, or kindle therein, any fire or flame, and not to smoke in the Library; and I promise to obey all rules of the Library.” No entrance is allowed to patrons who don’t agree with the speculated terms and conditions.
Some of the older collection from the 19th century is digitized and the library has collected manuscripts many of which have been generously donated to the library. The library has retained an impressive array of resources. Manuscript collections: The Ashmole Manuscripts, The Carte Manuscripts, The Douce Manuscripts, The Laud Manuscripts, the letters of the famous poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. Individual manuscripts: The Codex Bodley, The Codex Ebnerianus,The Codex Laudianus, The Codex Laud, The Codex Mendoza, The Codex Tischendorfianus III, The Codex Tischendorfianus IV, The Huntington MS 17, the oldest manuscript with complete text of the four Gospels in Bohairic (Coptic), The Magna Carta ,The Song of Roland, The Vernon Manuscript (Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Eng. poet.a.1).
As the library has over 11 million items and growing in numbers are facing problems with storage space, the handling of older and decaying resources was worrisome. The architecture is stunning and filmmakers have taken advantage of their scenery. An example is Duke Humfrey's Library acting as the Hogwarts library in the first Harry Potter movie.
Reflection on blogging experience:
I aimed to focus on key information which unfolded my main findings for the topic of choice. In the research process I used a popular encyclopedia available online.
References:
Bodleian Library, 2010, Bodleian Library, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, viewed 3 September 2010, < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodleian_Library >.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Blog 2: Behind the Architecture of the British Library
The long winded development of the British Library was completed in 1997. The architect who had skilfully planned this outstanding architecture for this famous library was Sir Colin St John Wilson. The design principles are based on the principles of 19th century architecture with an underlying gothic theme. The design has been meticulous in its details and contains an overwhelming amount of space within the library and includes features of balconies, stair cases and escalators.
It took a total of 35 years to get the library built and unlike most projects which would be completed in a shorter duration. Many critics where put forward against the library, this surprised me as I see it is a fantastic faculty with a great multitude of materials which serve the information needs of millions of people. However the plans needed approval of the government client body which involved much struggle.
This library has been positively described as being “invigorating” and “uplifting” this incorporates one of the key measures of success of architecture, the feelings which are brought about in the people that dwell there. The building has a sense of enclosure even despite its large size. The architecture of the British library is considered unique for retaining “The older tradition of Modern Architecture” it has an unconventional structure and upholds a high quality finish. With careful engineering this treasure can be appreciated for many years to come.
The key to designing architecture is firstly to examine what will be used there, in this instance the architecture has inflicted feelings of comfort and impression on those who work there, the key ideas where never fully described by the architect but has lead sceptics to evaluate the intentions of the quiet but magnificent architecture. Furthermore the British library was intended to be a great international library and simultaneously has attracted researchers throughout the world visiting the library within its existence.
Reflection on Blogger experience: I utilized a website and an online book; I found that the book went into much more depth and description than the website. I also found it interesting to research the architecture of the British library as I had no previous knowledge of the subject.
References:
1. The British Library, London 2008, The British Library, London, Galinsky, viewed 20 August 2010, < http://www.galinsky.com/buildings/British%20library/index.htm >
2. Stonehouse and Stromberg, London 2004, The Architecture of The British Library at St. Pancras, Google books, viewed 20 August 2010, < http://books.google.com.au/books?id=TBPfzd8kWBgC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Architecture+of+british+library&source=bl&ots=2CTKRqwwqh&sig=1r3UiSs5cy8l-_6Uc8XgMIeKRVQ&hl=en&ei=x6uATM3PPIqfcaCf_LQL&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCYQ6AEwAzgK#v=onepage&q&f=false >
(An online book preview)
It took a total of 35 years to get the library built and unlike most projects which would be completed in a shorter duration. Many critics where put forward against the library, this surprised me as I see it is a fantastic faculty with a great multitude of materials which serve the information needs of millions of people. However the plans needed approval of the government client body which involved much struggle.
This library has been positively described as being “invigorating” and “uplifting” this incorporates one of the key measures of success of architecture, the feelings which are brought about in the people that dwell there. The building has a sense of enclosure even despite its large size. The architecture of the British library is considered unique for retaining “The older tradition of Modern Architecture” it has an unconventional structure and upholds a high quality finish. With careful engineering this treasure can be appreciated for many years to come.
The key to designing architecture is firstly to examine what will be used there, in this instance the architecture has inflicted feelings of comfort and impression on those who work there, the key ideas where never fully described by the architect but has lead sceptics to evaluate the intentions of the quiet but magnificent architecture. Furthermore the British library was intended to be a great international library and simultaneously has attracted researchers throughout the world visiting the library within its existence.
Reflection on Blogger experience: I utilized a website and an online book; I found that the book went into much more depth and description than the website. I also found it interesting to research the architecture of the British library as I had no previous knowledge of the subject.
References:
1. The British Library, London 2008, The British Library, London, Galinsky, viewed 20 August 2010, < http://www.galinsky.com/buildings/British%20library/index.htm >
2. Stonehouse and Stromberg, London 2004, The Architecture of The British Library at St. Pancras, Google books, viewed 20 August 2010, < http://books.google.com.au/books?id=TBPfzd8kWBgC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Architecture+of+british+library&source=bl&ots=2CTKRqwwqh&sig=1r3UiSs5cy8l-_6Uc8XgMIeKRVQ&hl=en&ei=x6uATM3PPIqfcaCf_LQL&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCYQ6AEwAzgK#v=onepage&q&f=false >
(An online book preview)
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