Library News: A Request for Volunteers

It is pleasing to report that the conservation and cataloguing of the Society's visual records continues now with the aid of a computer. Given the thousands of images we now hold and with more arriving every month, often of considerable historic value, your Librarian seeks the services of a few further helpers to assist in characterizing images.

The task is not onerous but does require extensive general knowledge of Kent and of dress styles, buildings, transport, etc. throughout history. Wherever possible, information needs to be cross-referenced, e.g. to another image, an article in Archaeologia Cantiana.

Details of each photograph, print or painting are entered by hand onto a standardized form. This is then transferred to the computer by another small group, experts in such arcane matters. A knowledge of the technicalities of photography would also be of help. We also plan to embark on our own historic recording project. A suggestion is that with local knowledge, street scenes in busy but humble parts of Kent are recorded with a standard lens for repetition - say every five to ten years. Members interested in either project or in donating material are asked to send their details to the Librarian, The Museum, St. Faiths Street, Maidstone, Kent MR14 1LH.

Peter Draper, Hon. Librarian