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Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound

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

Clouds come to the American Art Museum/National Portrait Gallery Library

Cover of Cumulus artists' book
Cover of Cumulus artists’ book

Through the generosity of a donor (who is also on the staff of the Smithsonian Libraries!), the American Art Museum/National Portrait Gallery Library (AA/PG Library) is pleased to announce a new addition to its artists’ book collection: Cumulus by Thomas Parker Williams.

Honoring Our Veterans

This post was written by Chris Cottrill, head of the National Air and Space Museum Library.

November 11, 2013.  Today is Veteran’s Day and a federal holiday.

For some of us that can mean a chance to sleep-in, run some errands, or have an extended weekend away.  But it’s also the one day we should recall those we know or knew that put on the uniform (enlisted or draftee) and served their country during times of peace or conflict. The Smithsonian Libraries would like to thank those staff members who put on the uniform and served.

Preserving Alphabets and Needlework – the Smithsonian Women’s Committee

The Smithsonian Women’s Committee granted the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Library an award in 2012-13 for the preservation and re-housing of two important and rare embroidery and lace manuals dating from the early 17th and late 18th century. Due to their poor and fragile condition, they could not be handled and would have continued to deteriorate if left untreated.