St. Paul Cathedral Library

July 8, 2008
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<The library of Dean and Chapter is situated at triforium level behind the south-west tower in a chamber designed for it by Wren.


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http://www.stpauls.co.uk/page.aspx?theLang=001lngdef&pointerID=27433oOH1QXTGfJUU5XiLE4TBvERKbu0

Today, met with the USM Library Program group in the courtyard at 8:45am to discuss details of the day. We proceeded over to the library computer lab across the street from the dorm to go over more details and to begin a blog. We are required to keep a daily blog, recording our adventures of day trips to designated locations and other related and fun activities we encounter. Also discussed was the required Bibliography for our research paper, which is due August 31. Several suggestions for Primary Sources of Information include talking with people who know the topic of our chosen research paper. Also recommended, is to start the paper with a related quote at the beginning, incorporate at least one graphic, and use footnotes at the bottom (see EndNotes software, or within Word) if familiar. Use APA style.

I asked Dr. Welsh for ideas about my research subject after telling my background and interest in museums, and she suggested to either 1. compare programs and services of public school libraries (my work experience), or 2. cataloging art items/ exhibit(s) at a museum. GOOD IDEAS!

After our class meeting, we ventured over to St. Paul's Cathedral to visit the library, under the tutelage of Mr. Joe Wisdom (interesting name for a librarian, and appropriate!). He is a very charming, petite, and soft spoken man. Mr. Wisdom began with a general overview of the Cathedral, history and all, then we proceeded to a very tall locked door within the Cathedral. After unlocking and entering, we walked near a stone spiral staircase. Mr. Wisdom further explained that this was the "Dean's Staircase," explaining that the Dean could enter the door, behind the staircase, and climb the stairs up to the Triforium, or just go straight into the Cathedral. A certain student (me), mentioned that this was the circular stair case from the Harry Potter movies (which was mentioned by Dr. Welsh prior to arriving at the Cathedral. He acknowledged that it is the same.

While at the top of the staircase, Mr. Wisdom brought our attention to the various pediments and architectural fixtures while walking the corridor. He noted that the plain pediments dated back to the Reformation of King Henry VIII and the creation of the Church of England. He also noted the Baroque style used in some sections, as well. Additionally, the support beams in the hall were noted as being of Gothic design, with basic/classic shape.

While on the catwalk above the ground floor, known as the BBC View, we viewed:

1. People below in the Cathedral. It was an interesting sight!

2. A Latin engravement on the wall that read:

Facendi

Plures libros

Nulles Est Finis

which translates to: Of making many books, there is no end.

3. A casket-like stone structure that was used to collect rain water (back in the day). It has a carving on the front side containing two different crossed swords with a "D" situated in the upper v-shape of the crossed swords. It was uncovered to be St. Paul's coat-of-arms.

4. An old wooded pulpit, which I corrrectly identified when asked by Mr. Wisdom), dating back to 1864.

5. The Model Room: Christopher Wren's small-scale wooden model of St. Paul's Cathedral. NOTE: As Mr. Wisdom was revealing the history behind the model, my eyes explored the whole room, noting the enormous wooden model, as well as the many pen and ink drawings of proposed floor plans and archectural details. Also, a large, wooden medallion of Christopher Wren on the Western wall, above the Model of the West Portico. And of special note, was the vaulted ceiling and the stained glass of Walter Wilkins on the inner wall facing into the cathedral. Why was it there? Mr. Wisdom stated that it was the only Victorian stain glass not destroyed during WWII.

Nest, it was off to the library across from the Model Room. Before entering the library, we came upon a sign on the door which read, "Beware Pigeons." When asked about the sign, Mr. Wisdom told the story of when the door was left open when he was about to close the library and a pigeon wandered/flew in. After an unsuccessful attempt of removing the pigeon, he gave up, covered all the books and things with black paper/plastic and left the door open, hoping the bird would leave on its own. And when he returned the next day, the bird was gone. And from then on, the rule is to always keep the door shut!

Mr. Wisdom began by saying that we were in the "Library of Horrors!" I wasn't quite sure what he meant by that comment. But just be looking around, one could see the history. As he was describing the library, its contents and history, I scanned the room and noticed wall-to-wall books in bookcases numbered 1-54 on two levels. I was wondering if it was anything like the bookstore scene in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." I don't think it was. I also noticed the high, vaulted ceiling, a fireplace, and numerous portraits on the walls. Mr. Wisdom chimed in with, "The library architecture has an effect on users." That's not the only affect; it was affecting my allergies. The smell was quite dusty and musty. Then the plaster pillars were discussed in detail, questioning the meaning/symbolism of the incorporated forms. Many guesses drew the final meanings. And the light source was mentioned, due to the fact that the library is very dark, but has electricity.

Mr. Wisdom discussed the types of books in the collection. Mainly, they consist of theology (Newton, etc.), bibles, litigies, and various important biographies. Others included the arts and sciences, medicine, and others. He continued by describing the type of classification used, which he described as, "...big on bottom, small on top, and get a good catalog." And the authority catalog is by philosophy and subject. This is so much different from U.S. classification; not logical at all! Also mentioned, were shelf marks, or as in the U.S., call letters.

Conservation procedures were discussed. He mentioned that problems with 19th century books were encountered; they aredetatched one or more boards and rebound with leather, which was a poor substitute. Mr. Wisdom called restoration, "Tarting it up to look better."

Throughout this presentation, Mr. Wisdom stated that he was "over gasing," meaning he was talking too much. I thought this was very humerous!