Where does an old book belong

Come along to a talk by Jill Dye, the National Library of Scotland’s Head of Reader Services, as she delves into how the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland responded to the establishment of the National Library of Scotland in 1925. Prior to the Library’s formation, various national bodies, including the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland—now integrated into National Museums Scotland—had been amassing collections of historical books and manuscripts since as early as 1780.

Jill Dye will provide fresh insights into both institutions by examining the transfer of books from the Museum to the Library between the 1930s and 1950s. Her discussion will highlight the ambiguous boundary between books as texts and as artifacts, as well as the emphasis on making these resources accessible to the public, which played a key role in shaping these transitions.

This presentation is a highlight of our centennial celebrations.

**About the Speaker**
Jill Dye serves as the Head of Reader Services at the National Library of Scotland. She previously held the position of Library Services Manager at National Museums Scotland. Her academic focus centers on the accessibility of books and information, exploring both historical and contemporary perspectives.

The research for this lecture was supported by an AHRC-RLUK Professional Practice Fellowship for the 2023-2024 period.

**Note: This is a paid event.**