OFF THE RECORD, Number 17, 2009

Articles in the 2009 issue include:

From the President
Rachel Underwood acknowledges the 70th anniversary of The Friends of the Turnbull Library, and casts an eye over some of her distinguished predecessors. The issue includes a complete list of Presidents of Friends of the Turnbull Library, 1939-2009.

From the Chief Librarian
Chris Szekely discusses the recent confirmation that Turnbull’s urgent storage requirements will be addressed, and looks at the impact of redevelopment on the Library.

From the Guardians
Dr Lydia Wevers describes the Guardians’ role in monitoring building redevelopment plans.

Substantial growth in Turnbull Online
The Turnbull’s Curators are understandably enthusiastic as digital access to the collections takes a huge step forward.

New treasures for the Alexander Turnbull Library
Ruth Lightbourne, Curator, Special Printed Collections, reports on some exciting acquisitions at a recent Wellington auction.

Galileo Galilei – Abel Tasman – Isaac Newton
Grahame Anderson finds good reason to salute Abel Tasman, 350 years after his death.

The Great Depression and the lessons of history
Dr Malcolm McKinnon advises caution in modern comparisons with the 1930s Depression.

At the Leading Edge of Learning
Alan Smith reviews Jim Traue’s latest publication, originally an address to the Friends.

Leo Bensemann: the Fantastica drawings
A recent National Library exhibition displayed the New Zealand artist’s unusual passion.

Last Wordz
Former staff member Philip Rainer looks back on almost 25 years at the Library.

The art of conservation
Caroline Izzo has been restoring Turnbull treasures in her Wellington studio.

Finding Paradise
Graeme Lay’s latest book, ‘In Search of Paradise’, used many images from Turnbull collections.

Author inspired by the Turnbull
Ray Grover, author of ‘Cork of War’ and ‘March to the Sound of the Guns’, has been spinning yarns from Manuscripts for nearly forty years.

Oral History
Niborom Young’s major Cambodian Oral History project has ended.