THE APPROACH
The first week of October I went on a quest to find
answers to the technology housed in this iconic institution. The library staff
at the circulation desk recommended Dr. David Ostebur, Director
of Access and Public Services, and provided me with his business card for
contact information.
While there, I took the opportunity of being in the
library and went for a tour. I visited the Warren museum on the fourth floor
which contains a collection of historic anatomical abnormalities
and devices.
Phineas Gage tamping iron, 1848, Warren Anatomical
Museum, Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine. This iron penetrated the
frontal lobe a man, which changed his personality.
Later I ventured down to the second
lower level to tour a collection of historic medical books dating back to
colonial times. The lower level one even has 2 walls full of medicinal herb
antique canisters.
Apothecary Jars: Pharmaceutical Pottery and
Porcelain in Europe and the East, 1150-1850.
http://harvardmagazine.com/2006/07/hope-in-jars.html
The day of my visit, I arrived early,
and while in the lobby, my eye was drawn to these beautiful wall
size murals. The paintings where depicting the anatomical dissection of a
cadaver by Rembrandt.
"The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp"
by Rembrandt (Strickland, A.a.,2012)
http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/life-at/med-talks/rembrandts-hiccup.html
The second mural was of the first use of ether as an
anesthetic at the Mass General Hospital.
First Operation under Ether by Robert C.
Hinckley, 1882-1894.
From the Boston Medical Library in the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine.
These digitized pictures do not do the artwork
justice. They are grand in stature, and by far more magnificent in its physical
form.
The third mural depicted the first kidney transplant - December
23, 1954 successfully performed at the Brigham &
Women's Hospital.
The trilogy of the three murals demonstrated the evolution of thinking in the medical community over the ages. The
advancement of medicine coupled with the emerging technology.
The interview was scheduled on October 19th at 3:30.
I was a bit apprehensive, arrived early to get a feel for my surroundings, and
go over my questions with camera ready. Approaching the reference desk, I
encountered Dr. Osterbur and felt humbled in his presence. He projected a down
to earth manner, which made me feel at ease. Dr. Osterbur was extremely accommodating
to my requests, however picture taking was prohibited. He was kind enough to
show me on his computer how to view the most historical collections at the
Medical Heritage Library. He also suggested I use pictures from any of the
library’s website. In my mind, he was the epiphany of the true librarian.
THE INQUISTION
What types of technology do they have?
How are you connected to the internet?
Is the network wireless or wired?
How many computers are available for patrons?
What software do they use?
Is it up to date?
What type of hardware do they use?
When do they renew the hardware?
Are there time limits on how long the patron can use
the in-house computer?
What types of ergonomics do they have?
Who maintains and repairs the hardware and software?
How many outlets are available for patrons?
Who maintains the website?
Do they have DVD's and CD's?
Dividing the budget in pie form, what would the
percentage be for each?
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