Macmillan Brown Library has created a display to kick off UC’s 150th year, looking at the history of libraries at UC.  It features some unique archival items such as an 1893 library borrower’s register, featuring books issued to undergrads Apirana Ngata and Ernest Rutherford.

There are so many wonderful photos in the archives of UC libraries at work – more than would fit in our display – so we are sharing them here. Above, the wooden card catalogue in all its glory in the late 1980s. Below, some 1960s students browsing the shelves in an entirely natural fashion…

One of our favourite items in the display is a genuine vintage librarian smock, seen in action here, behind the Circulation Desk, when the library was still on the town campus in the 1960s.

Back to the 1980s for this wide shot of PJH Level 2, complete with the obligatory “Quiet Please” sign and some chunky looking computer screens.

Finally, here are the 1950s Library staff on the roof of the Library in what is now the Arts Centre

and off on a jolly outing to the Canterbury Centennial Fun Fair in Hagley Park (maybe one we can re-create sometime??!!)

The UC library history display will be in the MB foyer for at least another week, so come and check it out (on lookout for it on social media soon)