Caird Library

to catalogue their books. They also follow the MARC and Monday we went to the Caird Library in the Greewich Maritime Museum. It is one of the largest, if not the largest, maritime libraries in the world. This library includes such materials as maps, charts, astronomy materials and naval architecture materials. Patrons cannot access the libraries' database system from home all this must be done in their library. Patrons must also be over the age of sixteen to use the library facilities. This library was founded in 1937, and they are currently working on a new facility that should be open in 2011 or 2012. The Caird Library holds over 100,000 modern books, 8,000 rare books and 20,000 periodicals. The librarians use Mimsy XGACRII rules as well. The library is named after Sir James Caird (1864-1954). He was a Scottish shipowner and the Museum's principal benefactor. The tour guides, Mike and Renee, showed us the rare books and other materials that are housed in the Caird Library. Renee showed us some rare small books in the collection which have wooden covers. They were so neat to look at. The wood for the books were made from a ship that had sank, and they detail the cause of the demise of the ship. Mike told us that the books on ships were often thrown overboard so that enemy ships could not get valuable information. I thought that was sad, understandable, but sad. Mike also showed us a journal by Edward Hodges Cree that was typed out and illustrated with water color paintings that he drew about the different people and cultures from every port that he visited. This library also houses the oldest maps from the 14th century. If you decide to go visit the Caird Library, be warned that it is only open for three days out of the week due to renovations. (This picture was retrieved from www.athenryac.com.)