On behalf of the University of Alberta Libraries, I am delighted to announce that Bruce Peel Special Collections is reopening today (June 21, 2016)!
The Peel library has expanded its secure storage area in the basement of the Rutherford South building into five adjacent floors of existing library storage. A new mechanical system will create suitable atmospheric conditions in the upper tiers, and additional installations include a fire suppression system, service corridors, security and monitoring systems, and an upgraded electrical network. The expansion increases shelving capacity for rare research materials by approximately 270%, providing us with decades, not merely months and years, to continue transforming our library into an even greater centre of research and discovery.
Bruce Peel's much-loved public spaces for research and exhibition remain unaltered.
Students, faculty, and the general public can once again access materials from Special Collections during normal hours (Monday-Friday 12-4:30pm). New! Submit an online Retrieval Request Form at least 24 hours before your visit to be sure that library materials have been retrieved from storage and are available for your use. Forms can be submitted online from the Peel website.
We are looking forward to once again welcoming classes in the Peel library, and can report that the class schedule for the fall term is now almost fully booked.
We are reopening with an exhibition which features gorgeous colour prints made by master printer George Baxter and celebrates the impressive career of this Victorian period innovator. As always, the exhibition is open to the general public for free during normal hours (Monday to Friday 12:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.). More information can be found on our website.
We are reopening with the launch of a new online exhibition which celebrates the university's Honorary Degree recipients over the past fifteen years and the special rare books which have been purchased to honour them. It honours the accomplishments of such notable figures as k.d. lang, Wayne Gretzky, His Highness the Aga Khan, and Clara Hughes. Find the exhibition on the Peel website.
We hope that you'll enjoy the benefits of the renovated space, and hope to see you in Bruce Peel Special Collections soon.
Best wishes,
Robert
Robert Desmarais - Head, Bruce Peel Special Collections & Archives
Robert is Head of Bruce Peel Special Collections & Archives at the University of Alberta. A graduate of the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information and the collaborative Book History and Print Culture program, he also has university degrees in English literature and publishing. He serves on the Editorial Board of the Papers/Cahiers of the Bibliographical Society of Canada and as Managing Editor of The Deakin Review of Children's Literature. He also teaches History of the Book at the University of Alberta's School of Library and Information Studies.