Books, books and more books…

14th May 2012

This week it is all hands on deck as we concentrate all our efforts on blitzing the work left to do on the thousands of books we have. It is going to be a sad end to the week as our Local Studies Librarian, David, is leaving us for pastures new; so while he is still here we are making the most of his knowledge to get as much done as possible!

So, what exactly is happening?

The Local Studies library collections from the Record Office, the History Centre, the City library and the archaeology service are being merged. This is a momentous occasion as it is the first time all of these volumes have been together in one, easily-accessible home.

Our special collection library, called the Palfrey Collection is being placed into glass cabinets in our searchroom on the History floor. This extensive collection was bequeathed to the County Council by Alderman H.E.Palfrey, Chairman of the Records Committee; who was crucial in the County Council’s decision to set up its own Record Office in 1947. Compiled over many years the collection boasts a rare selection of antiquarian studies; first edition volumes and books crucial to the study of Worcestershire. These books will be locked in cabinets and will be accessible by requests to a member of staff. This is will be the first time these books have ever been on public display!

Each and every book is having its location updated on Talis – our online library catalogue.

Each book is being stamped as Reference Only and Local Studies Collection.

Minor repair work is taking place. This can include work on drooping spines and torn covers.

David, our Local Studies Librarian – working hard to finish everything before he leaves 🙁

We have already made a huge amount of progress on our library stock since the History Centre moved to The Hive; hopefully after this week the end may be in sight!

Comments

One response to “Books, books and more books…”

Roger Leake says:

May 29, 2012 at 11:48 am

A very welcome step towards the imminent amalgamation of the hitherto fragmented local history library.

Related news

27th August 2026

Finding fashion in the Sandys Archive

In this blog, we explore some of the records that reveal how fashion evolved across generations of the Sandys family. Clothes tell us a lot about the past. They offer insights into changing tastes, social attitudes and everyday life. The Sandys family of Ombersley created and kept a wealth of records that today help us...

21st August 2026

Outside Powick Asylum: The Governess of Brockencote Hall

In today’s blog, we tell the story of Lilly Pearson, a young woman admitted to Powick asylum whose time is recorded in records we hold over 100 years ago. Alongside patient files which are catalogued covering the period 1890’s-1980’s, we hold admission and discharge registers and volumes containing patient case notes from the late 19th...

14th August 2026

‘Dunkirk Joe’ – The Remarkable life of Admiral William Tennant

Worcestershire Archives and Archaeology Service are privileged to have a deposit in their collections connected to one of Worcestershire’s most distinguished naval heroes, Admiral Sir William George Tennant. In this article, we will take a look into the life of Admiral Tennant. Born at Quatford, Shropshire in January 1890 to Edmund and Mary Tennant, William...