The start of our month-long British Studies Program in London kicked off with a full Monday: a tour of the Barbican Library, an afternoon visit to the neighboring Museum of London, and an evening program reception on the River Thames.
As Library and Information Science (LIS) students, we all have varying interests within the field. The Barbican Library comprises of several libraries of different specialties, which made for a great launch pad from which to begin our London survey of librarianship across the pond. Head Librarian Geraldine Pote led us through the building and many services the Barbican provides for its wide readership.
Music Librarian Richard Jones gave us an in-depth look at the services their extensive library provides for users as one of only 2 remaining music libraries in London, including:
- over 16,000 CDs - still circulating well
- 9,000 books
- national inter-library loan
- loans for music scores for bands/orchestras/choirs
- 70 titles of periodicals
- wide collection of reference books and online resources
- 16,000 score collection
He took us through their impressive exhibition of photography by Mark Allan (link to his website for examples of his work), currently the Barbican Centre's photographer for contemporary and classical music, and iconic for his repertoire of photographing many famous musicians and actors across more than 20 years. It was fascinating to hear Jones talk about their strides in helping support lesser known and local artists as well. As a music lover myself, the music library was my favorite stop of the day.
In the afternoon we were able to visit the Museum of London within the Barbican Centre, and I was floored by just how much information and exhibit space was available for us to attempt to absorb and meander through. As we had only just arrived in London two days prior, it was a beneficial introduction to the city we would be living in for the next month while conducting our librarianship studies.
One of the most memorable highlights of London's vast history was its room housing the flames used in the 2012 Olympic Games - it induced a very visceral and immediate reaction, reminding me of watching the ceremony live for the first time. The exhibit was magical.
Within the Barbican Centre also resides St. Giles Cripplegate Church, which is one of the few medieval churches left in London, thanks to its surviving the Great Fire of 1666. We had some time to look around its gorgeous walls before we left.
Monday evening brought another new-to-London treat as we headed to the docks to cruise down the River Thames with all our fellow British Studies classmates. Many photogenic waterfronts were seen and admired.
