Library and Archive Update
I am delighted to say that after significant effort and arrangement, the Library and Archive have been organised into their relevant locations and are now ready for full volunteer involvement. We have two major requirements as we gear up towards a fully accessible catalogue in 2025.
These projects will begin in coordination with the reopening of Maidstone Museum in February 2025 but expressions of interest from Volunteers are sought at the earliest convenience.
Since its earliest inceptions during the mid-19th century, the Kent Archaeological Society has actively engaged in the creation of a unique and educational library collection, consisting mostly of archaeological and historical reference publications.
The library was built to support Society members and the general public in the study of the archaeology and history of Kent. To this aim we manage a collection of books, journals, maps, pamphlets, visual records and archives that we wish to be accessible in our Library premises.
Our Library is situated in the incredible Maidstone Museum, an establishment we have been in partnership with since the birth of the Society and continue to work closely with to promote the fascinating history of our region.
[fg]jpg|Fig 1. The Society Library houses a vast quantity of important books and journals.|Image[/fg]
The collection continues to grow apace, and over the years it has seen many attempts to record and organise the expanding materials, and to make them fully accessible. Recently, due to a number of large donations, the consolidation of collections which had been dispersed and the continued acquisition of important publications and historic antiquities, we are taking the opportunity to reorganise, fully audit and catalogue the library and archive collection as it currently stands.
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Volunteer Library Cataloguing Project
A call for volunteers to help organise and catalogue the extensive library collections of the Kent Archaeological Society with full training provided.
The day in question is to be arranged, but hours will likely be between 10am and 3pm, subject to availability and time constraints. The project will take place within the Kent Archaeological Society Library, in Maidstone Museum, and the initial phase is expected to last 2-3 months.
With this project in mind, we would like to reach out to any potential volunteers who might be interested in offering a day a week to help us organise, maintain and catalogue the Kent Archaeological Society Library collections.
All equipment for preserving, organising and cataloguing the collections will be provided by the Kent Archaeological Society and full training will be offered in the cataloguing and arranging process.
No experience is necessary; however, volunteers must feel comfortable working on laptop computers, and with books and documents which may be old, dusty and dry.
[fg]jpg|Fig 2. The Kent Archaeological Society Library.|Image[/fg]
Volunteer Archive Cataloguing Project
A call for volunteers to help catalogue the extensive archive collections of the Kent Archaeological Society with full training provided.
The Society Archive is a treasure trove of historical research, important manuscripts, antiquarian correspondence and archaeological records. Whilst individual catalogues have been created in various forms, there are still a great deal of collections which require reorganisation, preservation, data entry and storage.
We are ready to begin a detailed audit and cataloguing program to fully record all the documents held within the archive. This will involve the careful study of documents, occasional rehousing of collection items, full entry of data relating to these collections using spreadsheets and highlighting items in need of conservation or treatment.
The archive is currently located at our office building on Marsham Street in Maidstone. Space is limited so small teams will be required to operate on a set schedule. These teams may be rotated depending on the level of interest. We would like to reach out to potential volunteers interested in offering one day a week. This will be an ongoing project.
Training will be provided, though some level of archival experience or understanding would be helpful. Volunteers must feel comfortable working on laptop computers, and with documents which may be old, dusty and dry. All equipment for preserving, organising and cataloguing the collections will be provided by the Kent Archaeological Society.
[pg36]Please note, Maidstone Museum does not have a café, so any lunches must be brought or bought by volunteers personally.
For further information about these projects and how to apply for the volunteer opportunities, please contact the Society Archivist, Craig Campbell at craig.campbell@kentarchaeology.org.uk
We hope that the Kent Archaeological Society Library can provide a safe and comfortable space in which members and the general public can access and use our unique resources for many generations to come. This project will help to ensure this goal.
We look forward to welcoming you into our Library and Archive very soon. Fig 3 and Fig 4. The Society Archive contains important manuscripts, records, correspondence, administrative papers, research, visual records and more.