Project Background:

Preservation is a core function of the Library. The Collection Care Section of the Collection Services Department, endeavour to preserve, conserve, protect and slow down the deterioration processes which impact on the Library’s collections. By carrying out Collection Care activities, which include preservation actions, preventive conservation techniques, conservation treatments and collection support it is possible to slow down deterioration processes and extend the lifespan of our collections.

Dust and dirt on collections will present dangers to the media; it can migrate into text blocks or on to documents being used. Biological pests may feed on dust; the dust may also contain mould spores, which can germinate and grow on the media. Evidence of surface dust indicates that an important aspect of collection management is failing.

Simple dry cleaning methods can be used to remove dirt from volumes and unbound documents and papers, loose dust and dirt can be lightly removed without rubbing or requiring specialist equipment. Volunteers trained and supervised by conservators will carry out this activity, and provide a valuable service to collection care principles.

Location:  Preventive Conservation Unit  

Main Tasks:  Identified collection care activities will include :-

• carefully keeping/placing and securing books on shelves;
• cleaning mobile /static book shelving;
• dusting of books.

Requirements:

Essential
 

• the ability to work within a team;
• good communicator;
• the ability to work independently;
• careful and methodical.

Desirable

• the ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh and English;
• an interest in cultural heritage.

Time and commitment:

The project will start on August 30th, 2012. Half day sessions will run on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays - specific hours to be agreed.

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Project Background:

This collection, which has been catalogued, includes the names of the crews of over 600 ships that sailed from Aberystwyth harbour between 1850 and 1910.  Creating a half yearly list for every ship that sailed the seas of Britain was at one time compulsory.  There are also details about the ships, their owners and the dwelling-place of sailors. It is a very valuable genealogical and maritime source. However, there is no means of finding the names of the sailors from the Library’s catalogue.

The main objective of the project therefore is to create a database that can be searched, such as the names of sailors, their roles, names of ports, previous ships, sailing dates of a ship and the date and reason for leaving the service of a ship.

Completing the project will create a very valuable and powerful tool to find information and resources, not only for genealogists but also for other researchers, including learners from the higher education sector.

Location:  Collections Services Department

Main tasks:
 

• indexing the names of sailors of ships in Aberystwyth harbour;
• indexing the jobs of the sailors;
• indexing the names of previous ships;
• creating dates data;
• recording other details, as and when required.

Requirements:

Essential
 

• the ability to work as part of a team;
• the ability to work independently;
• determination and perseverance;
• careful and methodical.

Advantageous

• the ability to communicate in Welsh and English;
• knowledge and a keen interest in maritime history;
• IT skills.

Time and commitment: To be agreed.  Aiming to start in September, 2012.

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Project Background:

The National Library holds a wide range of exhibits (which are mainly based on the Library’s collections and art works by guest artists), including one large-scale thematic exhibition annually. This exhibition is held for a period of 6 months in Gregynog Gallery, one of the largest galleries in Wales. In addition, the Library has other display spaces within the building, of a smaller size, which are used for smaller exhibitions. Some of our exhibitions are permanent and the contents of others are changed frequently.  Material and works are displayed in traditional forms (on walls and in cases) and by means of modern technology.

Location: The galleries in the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth - Public Services Department

Main tasks:

• Providing information to the public about the material on display in the Library’s Public Galleries;
• Assisting visitors – various individuals and groups – to familiarise themselves with and enjoy the displays;
• Guiding visitors, answering basic queries, adding value to the visitor experience;
• Collecting and transmitting the response or comments by members of the public about the exhibitions to the Library staff and contributing ideas on how to improve our service.

Requirements:

Essential

• Reliability;
• An interest in exhibitions and the Library’s work;
• Good knowledge of Wales, its people and its history;
• The ability and the confidence to deal with people from diverse backgrounds, with various needs;
• The ability to communicate in English and Welsh.

Advantageous

• Knowledge of the Library’s collections.

Time and commitment: To be agreed.  From October, 2012.