May 23, Mitchell Library and University of Glasgow
Wednesday Morning, Glasgow
By Wednesday, I felt as if I was just about adjusted to the time difference. This day we had two appointments, the first at the Mitchell Library. The current building was funded by this guy:
That is Andrew Carnegie, laying this stone:
At the Mitchell, we spoke with the archivist who informed us that, like other libraries, they too are having to streamline their staff. They have had to cross train workers called 'Life Assistants' who are a part of a program called Glasgow Life. The Life Assistants used to stick to one department, but are now trained to work in the Glasgow libraries and museums, as well as sport, art, and music events. Although the number of staff dedicated to the library has gone down, the visitor rate at the Mitchell Library has had a 9% increase when compared to the previous year. The librarians attribute this increase to the special programming and events hosted by the library in the past year. The large, first floor cafe and free wifi throughout the building has also been a draw for students from the University of Glasgow.
Wednesday Afternoon, University of Glasgow
In the afternoon, we headed over to the University Library at Glasgow Uni. The campus grounds looked like something out of Harry Potter, with the ominous tower piercing the sky.
We had presentations from the mobile and social media department, special collections, and archives, as well as a tour by the library director herself.
Their well-designed website has been a success. Now the mobile and social media department is using Google Analytics, surveys, and statistics from the library catalog to design a mobile site.
Here's a nice timeline from their old website highlighting events throughout the 600 continuous years of archival upkeep at this library.
Go to all pictures from the Mitchell Library or the University of Glasgow.
Their well-designed website has been a success. Now the mobile and social media department is using Google Analytics, surveys, and statistics from the library catalog to design a mobile site.
Here's a nice timeline from their old website highlighting events throughout the 600 continuous years of archival upkeep at this library.
Go to all pictures from the Mitchell Library or the University of Glasgow.