On a chilly day in mid-December, UofT iSchool students took a break from their studies, and library professionals stepped away from their desks to participate in the ROM MEGA-TOUR: AS BIG AS THE DINOSAURS! Hyperbole aside, 15 guests joined ARLIS/NA Ontario Chapter and Special Libraries Association UofT Chapter to go behind the scenes at the Royal Ontario Museum, visiting the institution’s fascinating libraries and archives.
Beginning at the Bishop White Committee Library of Easts Asia, librarian Max Dionisio entranced tour guests with an array of scrolls, prints and delicate books.
While guests could have stayed at the East Asian Library for hours, the tour had other equally interesting stops to make. At the Richard Wernham and Julia West Library, Archivist, Charlotte Chaffey delighted visitors with a glimpse into the ROM’s storied past with selections from the personal fonds and research of remarkable staff members.
Last but certainly not least, head librarian Brendan Edwards took us into the stacks. After examining some of the more special tomes of the collection, Brendan generously shared his experiences in the specialty librarianship field with the group and answered our myriad of questions.
Emerging from the hallowed halls of the ROM hours later, many tour participants headed over to The Bedford Academy Gastropub. Over drinks and food, students and professionals alike shared their thoughts and ideas about all we had discovered during this exciting experience. Thanks to all who attended!
Special thanks to Charlotte Chaffey, Max Dionisio and Brendan Edwards for being such generous and remarkable hosts.