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Month: November 2013

Asian Paper Workshop

On November 20-22 the Smithsonian Libraries hosted a three day workshop, “Understanding Asian Papers and their Applications in Paper Conservation,” given by Minah Song, a paper conservator at the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) in Philadelphia. The workshop began with a lecture on the process of papermaking in China, Korea and Japan and then moved onto hands-on techniques including learning different lining techniques, toning or paper with fiber reactive dyes, parchment repair and the Korean art of Joomchi.

Halfway there! Transcribing the Scrapbook of Early Aeronautica

We have the perfect activity to help you burn off some of tomorrow’s turkey dinner! Exercise your finger muscles by helping us transcribe the Scrapbook of Early Aeronatica! Collected by William Upcott, this first volume contains correspondence, clippings, ephemera, articles and illustrations, which cover early experiments, adventures and inventions in aeronautics starting with the Montgolfier brothers.

Garnerin Balloon and Parachute
Parachute and Balloon used by Garnerin

Mammals Library roars back to life

East Wall Before and AfterThis post was written by Dave Opkins, Smithsonian Libraries’ Administrative Projects Specialist.

In a remote corner on the third floor of the National Museum of Natural History lies the Mammals Library.  This medium-sized room houses roughly 10,000 volumes on mammalian subjects such as systematics, distribution, evolution, morphology, ecology, and evolution.  There are also a number of related study aids such as dictionaries, atlases, and other resources.  This impressive collection exists for the use of the Mammals division staff and visiting researchers, and is maintained by Smithsonian Libraries.  The room was just closed for six weeks to undergo its first major renovation in over 30 years.  Subsequently, on November 6th, the room played host to an exciting grand reopening celebration that was attended by nearly 100 Smithsonian colleagues.

Spring Internships at the Smithsonian Libraries

7740668206_8e4913e1a4The Smithsonian Libraries is currently recruiting for four spring internship projects. These are generally part time, unpaid positions and we are happy to work with universities to help students obtain credit. All are unique learning experiences with mentorship and guidance. They are open to grad students, recent graduates and some are open to undergrad students.

20th Annual Dibner Library Lecture featuring Robert S. Westman

Robert S. Westman

The Smithsonian Libraries is pleased to present the 20th Annual Dibner Library Lecture:

Copernicus and the Astrologers, Featuring Robert S. Westman

Thursday, December 12, 2013, 5:00 p.m.
Reception to follow
Nan Tucker McEvoy Auditorium, Smithsonian American Art Museum
8th and F Streets NW Washington, DC 20004

RSVP at 202-633-2241 or SILRSVP@si.edu

Event is free and open to the public