Alexander Turnbull Library Report by the Director for the Year 1985/86

Turnbull Library Record, Volume XIX, Issue 2, 1 October 1986, Page 169

Alexander Turnbull Library Report by the Director for the Year 1985/86

J. E. TRAUE

The Alexander Turnbull Library is a national research library dedicated to the collection and preservation of the records of human knowledge and endeavour and to the enrichment of those records through the fostering of research and publication. It functions as the library of national record with responsibility for the accumulation and long-term preservation of the national collection of library materials relating to New Zealand. Other special fields include the Pacific, early printed books, John Milton and the seventeenth century, and the arts of the book.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES This is the first year of formal strategic planning in the National Library. Within the overall Strategic Management Plan the Turnbull has a supplementary five-year plan, the 'Strategic Approaches of the Alexander Turnbull Library' and an annual statement of goals and specific targets to be achieved. During the year the statement of goals had to be modified because of the urgent need to move into further interim accommodation. The new priority task, the transfer, according to a timetable and agreed standards, of the

collections and staff at 44 The Terrace into four separate locations, was achieved. The second priority, planning and reorganisation for occupancy of the new building in late 1986, has also been met during the year. Despite the major disruption caused by the move (the planning, packing and shifting took over six months) a high proportion of the other targets set by the staff were met. Key positions for improving pictorial reference services and access to oral history recordings were established; inventory control of the collections was improved substantially; backlogs were better identified and some brought under control; a survey of users was completed; staff training programmes were developed; a new organisational structure prepared; a national survey made of the indexing of New Zealand newspapers; and the budget for acquisitions increased substantially. One major goal, the extension of services to the public, was set back by the closures associated with the move. Use by the public of the Library's services dropped for the first time in over 30 years, and growth of the collections slowed.

Financial support from the community for the Library's activities continued at a high level. Sponsorship for publications was received from The Listener, FAS Macquarie Limited and Francis Allison Symes & Co., the Post Office, Indosuez New Zealand Limited, and the New Zealand Composers' Foundation. The Friends of the Library's centennial fund, created to assist with expensive purchases for the collections, grew to over $50,000 during the year. The first grant from the Lilburn Trust was made available for the Archive of New Zealand Music. The Endowment Trust's assets at the end of the year were $324,880. Income was $104,628 and expenses $63,615, leaving $41,013 available for application in terms of the deed of trust. The Trust spent $1,869 on purchases for the collections and $94,356 on publications. The Research Endowment Fund spent $6,688 on grants to research workers, conferences and seminars.

THE PROMOTION OF RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION For a research library the most effective and appropriate means of making its resources available to the widest possible audience is through research and publication based on its collections.

Grants were made to four scholars (one from overseas) from the Research Endowment Fund. The Fund was supported by grants from the Todd Foundation, the Ilott Trust, the Trustees of the National Library, the Scientific Research Distribution Committee, and the income from three sets of prints. The Endowment Trust made publication grants for Oral Culture, Literacy & Print in Early New Zealand: the Treaty of Waitangi, by D. F. McKenzie; A Bibliography of Writings About New Zealand Music to the End of 1983, by Ross Harvey; and New Zealand Studies, a Guide to Bibliographic Resources byj. E. Traue (all from Victoria University Press). Publications issued from the Library with the assistance of the Endowment Trust or sponsors were the second volume of Early Eyewitness Accounts of Maori Life (Marion du Fresne’s visit of 1772); Douglas Lilburn’s A Search for a Language; A Solomon Islands Bibliography to 1980 compiled by Sally

Edridgc; a revised edition of the Library's catalogue of publications; a poster 'Pictures to Post' by Garry Tricker; a 1789 map of the world showing Captain Cook's voyages; an illustrated calendar; and two sets of reproductions, one of three paintings by Charles Blomfield of the Pink and White Terraces and one of six photographs by the Northwood brothers of the far north of New Zealand. The Friends of the Library issued two greetings cards; the Turnbull 1985 Winter Lectures The Media; and a limited edition print of a Barraud painting of Mount Cook in association with the General Accident Insurance Group. The Friends' Newsletter and the Turnbull Library Record continued publication during the year. The Library met another of its targets 'to inaugurate a series of subject guides to research materials in the Turnbull's collections'. Two staff members began work on a listing of manuscript and archival sources for women's studies and the first part, covering the nineteenth century, will be published late in 1986.

BUILDING THE RESEARCH COLLECTIONS Donations during the year fell from 424 to 346. The Library continues to receive, under the compulsory deposit provisions of the Copyright Act 1962, a comprehensive range of materials published in New Zealand for the national collection of last resort. During the year commercially produced videotapes relating to New Zealand were purchased for the research collections. Joan Stevens donated a selection of books relating to Bewick, Dickens and Thackeray; Rewi Alley has presented more of his publications to fill gaps in the Library's holdings of his works; and purchases were made of runs of important cinema magazines, the Strand Mirror and the Majestic Strand Mirror, 1919-1926. The Library acquired the papers of Gerald Griffin, R. M. Burdon, Patricia Burns, John Gordon and the Grace family, and first instalments of the papers of Dan Davin and Michael King. Organisational records acquired include those of Ilott Advertising Ltd, the Girls' Friendly Society, the New Zealand Dietetic Association, the New Zealand Playcentre Federation and the Women's Electoral Lobby. Some 300 cassette tapes were deposited by the New Zealand Oral History Archive.

The Music Archive's acquisitions included the papers of Frederick Page and James Williamson, the music scores of Noel Saunders, the archives of the N.Z. Association of Organists, and additional records of the Music Federation of New Zealand. Collections of photographs and related materials were acquired from Paul Thompson on the New Zealand bach, from the estate of Ronald Searle, a Wellington photographer, and from the Wellington Early Settlers and Historical Association. In addition copies were made from several collections in private hands. Significant purchases for the drawings and prints collection included a portrait of Sir Joseph Banks purchased in London, two items by Cuthbert Clarke, and works by Elizabeth Homeyer, W. H. Holmes, and F. Connell. Donations were received from Mr Ray Gilbert, Professor G. H. Green, Nancy Keesing (33 works by H. A. Keesing) and Mrs Ellen McCormack.

CONSERVING THE RESEARCH COLLECTIONS The survey of the condition of the collections undertaken as part of the preparation for the move to interim accommodation revealed the consequences of years of underspending on conservation. Substantial remedial work was required, particularly on the collection of framed paintings and drawings. A wide-ranging review of conservation in the National Library being undertaken as part of the Strategic Management Plan is a major step forward in quantifying the needs, assessing priorities, and providing the facts to justify the considerable resources necessary to ensure that our documentary heritage is preserved for posterity.

MARGERY WALTON After 27 years working in the Turnbull, Miss Margery Walton, the Deputy Director, resigned during the year to take up a new position in Reference and Interloan Services division to develop its New Zealand reference services for the new building.

Publications, Lectures, etc. by the Staff 1985/86 BARTON, P.L. 'No Maps!', New Zealand Mapkeepers' Circle Newsletter, 19 (November 1985), 7. 'Obituary: Lawrence Patrick Lee 1913-1985', New Zealand Mapkeepers' Circle Newsletter, 18 (May 1985), 24.

'Of Maps and Men!', Archifacts 1985/3 (September 1985), 5-8. LONG, M. John Kinder, by Michael Dunn (review, Listener, no. 2387 (16 November 1985), 57. MEADS, D. Conservators and archivists: contribution to panel discussion on conservation and related professions, New Zealand Professional Conservators' Group annual conference, 21 February 1986.

Literary manuscripts in the Turnbull Library: address to the Friends of the Turnbull Library, 11 March 1986. MINSON, M.F. 'The Drawings and Prints Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library', AGMANZJournaI, 16, n 0.2 (1985), 24-5. PALMER, J.M. 'Dorothy Freed: Pioneer of Music Librarianship in New Zealand', Crescendo, 10 (April 1985), 4-5.

The Alexander Turnbull Library's Archive of New Zealand Music: address given to the Onslow Senior Citizens, Wellington, 14 August 1985, and to the Friends of the Turnbull Library, 14 August 1985. Couseemaker's Anonymous XII; a new edition, translation and commentary: paper delivered at the Musicological Society of New Zealand conference, Wellington, 18 May 1985.

PARKINSON, P.G. 'The Typification of Generic Names and Criticism of the Text of Art. 10 of the Sydney Code with Three Proposals to Amend', Taxon, 34 (1985), 322-332. 'Problems with the Nomenclature of Nothotaxa in the Sydney Code with Six Proposals to Amend', Taxon, 34 (1985), 334-337. God's Own Country and the Legal Status of Gay People: a paper for Sex and the State; their laws our lives (2nd International Lesbian & Gay History Conference, Toronto, July 1985). (Wellington, 1985) lip. (Revised for publication in 1986).

Aids and New Zealanda Report on the Current Situation: Prepared Members Parliament (Auckland, 1985) 54p. What Has the Gay Community Done to Stop Aids? A summary of information and advice about AIDS, published in the NZ gay community paper Pink Triangle. (Wellington, 1986) 12p. Gay and Bisexual Men: The Problems of Defining a 'High Risk' Group. A discussion paper for the AIDS Advisory Committee. (Wellington, 1986) sp.

A Submission on the Homosexual Law Reform Bill (Ms Fran Wilde) from the Lesbian & Gay Rights Resource Centre, prepared by Phil Parkinson, Administrator. (Wellington, 1985) 101, 8,9, [4]p. 'The AIDS Package: But Will it Work?', Pink Triangle, 53 (May/June 1985), 20. 'Queer Doings in the Chamber', Pink Triangle, 55 (September/October 1985), 3.

'The Wanganui Affair of 1920', Pink Triangle, 56 (November/December 1985), 10-11. 'Janet Has Had Her Say', Pink Triangle, 56 (November/December 1985), 19. RALSTON, B.J. 'The Hawera Census of 1881: a Reconstruction', Archifacts 1985/2 (June 1985), 18-20.

RETTER, D.C. Lectures on management of small archival collections, Continuing Education training course, Auckland, 3-5 September 1985. Legal and business archives in the Alexander Turnbull Library: address to A.R.A.N.Z. conference, Auckland, 6 September 1985. SANDERSON, K.M. Lectures on management of small archival collections, Continuing Education training course, Auckland, 3-5 September 1985.

TRAUE, J.E. New Zealand Studies: A Guide to Bibliographic Resources (Wellington, 1985), 27p. (Also published in Australia and New Zealand Studies: Papers Presented to a Colloquium at the British Library 7-9 February 1984, (London, 1985), p. 137-153. Charles Blomfield's Pink and White Terraces; address to the Friends of the Rotorua Art Gallery, 15 March 1986.

Excellence in a small compass: address to Wellington Zonta Club, 28 May 1985. ■ The Alexander Turnbull Library; future trends: paper delivered at A.R.A.N.Z. conference, Auckland, 6 September 1985.

ALEXANDER TURNBULL LIBRARY

Research Endowment Fund

The Board of the Alexander Turnbull Library Endowment Trust invites applications for grants from its Research Endowment Fund. The Fund has the general objectives of'the advancement of learning and the arts and sciences through the support of scholarly research and publication based on the collections of the Alexander Turnbull Library' and it may create scholarships and fellowships, make grants for research and publication, and sponsor seminars, conferences and lectures. Grants are now being made available to provide additional support for scholars at all levels who wish to conduct research towards a publication based on the Library's collections.

Applications should be sent to: The Secretary, Alexander Turnbull Library Research Endowment Fund, Box 12349, Wellington North. The Research Endowment Fund's programmes are supported by grants from the Sir John Ilott Charitable Trust, the Todd Foundation, the Sutherland Self-Help Trust, the Minister of Internal Affairs from Lottery funds, and from the profits on the Cooper Prints 1980 (published in association with the New Zealand Wool Board), the Heaphy Prints 1981 (in association with the Fletcher Holdings Charitable Trust), and the Hoyte Prints 1982 (in association with the ANZ Banking Group (New Zealand) Ltd).

ALEXANDER TURNBULL LIBRARY

Director: Mr J. E. Traue, MA, FNZLA Deputy Director: Miss P. A. Griffith, BA. DIP NZLS Acquisitions Librarian: Miss D. M. Sherratt, BA

Curator of Drawings & Prints: Ms M. F. Minson, MA, DIP NZLS Assistant Curator of Drawings & Prints: Ms M. Long, BA, DIP NZLS Catalogue Librarian: Mrs M. F. Collyns, BSC, DIPLIBR First Assistant, Catalogue: Mrs H. Loftus, MA, NZLACERT Catalogue Assistants: Mrs M. J. Pannett, BA, DIP NZLS; Mrs B. G. Matthews, BA, NZLA CERT, Mr T. Ralls, MA; Mr G. S. Shaw, BA, DIP LIBR

Manuscripts Librarian: Ms D. Meads, BA, DIP NZLS First Assistant, Manuscripts: Mr D. C. Retter, MA, DIPLIBR Editor, National Register of Archives & Manuscripts: Mr B.J. Ralston, BA, NZLACERT Manuscripts Assistants: Ms E. Kitchingman, BA, DIPLIBR; Ms K. M. Sanderson, MA, DIP LIBR; Mr K. L. Stewart, MA, DIP ED

Maori Materials Subject Specialist: Ms S. E. Dell, BA (HONS), DIP NZLS Map Librarian: Mr K. J. Moffat, BA Music Librarian: Miss J. Palmer, MA, DIP NZLS Newspaper Librarian: Dr D. R. Harvey, ANZLA Photograph Librarian: Mr J. P. Sullivan, BA, DIP NZLS Pictorial Reference Librarian: Ms J. M. McCracken, NZLA CERT

Reference Librarian: Miss J. V. Horney, BA, DIP NZLS First Assistant, Reference: Mr P. Rainer, MA, dip NZLS Reference Assistants: Ms A. W. Brownlie, BA, DIPLIBR; Mrs P. M. Harries, BA, DIP LIBR; Ms C. J. Tuitubou, BA, DIP LIBR Serials Librarian: Mr P. G. Parkinson, BSC, DIP NZLS

HONORARY CONSULTANTS Professor D. G. Lilburn, HON D. MUS (OTAGO) Honorary Curator, Archive of New Zealand Music Mrs J. E. Paul, BA (HONS) New Zealand art history and Typographical design Mr A. A. St. C. M. Murray-Oliver, MBE, MA, FMANZ, ANZLA New Zealand and Pacific art

Mr V. G. Elliott, MA, B. LITT., DIP NZLS Early printed books Mr D. G. Medway, LL.B., FLS Historical ornithology Mr H. C. L. Price, MA, DIPTCHG, MNZSID Publication