Welcome to the third issue of MapForum.com.
This issue is again rather later than was originally planned - principally
a consequence of the recent closure of the British Library, on account
of an industrial dispute involving staff responsible for delivery of items
to the reading rooms. Although the Library re-opened last week, the
closure has meant that two principal articles, in the last stages of editing,
have had to be postponed, and replaced by briefer pieces. The articles
will now appear in the next issue.
It is to be hoped that the re-opening marks a permanent solution to
the dispute, although both sides seem only to have agreed on a process
to reach agreement !
As a tantalising glimpse in side the new British Library Map Library
- for those who haven't yet had the pleasure - we have a short news item
on the unrolling (unveiling might be a more suitable description) of the
BL's manuscript map of Scotland, drawn by Paul Sandby, circa 1749-1755.
This gives an inkling of the marvellous facilities offered by the new Library
at St. Pancras. After all the adverse publicity attracted by the
new building it is a delight to work in the new, purpose designed Map Reading
Room. As the Library settles into the new building and some of the
inevitable teething problems of such a huge project sort themselves out,
the Map Library promises to be a wonderful place to conduct research.
Ashley Baynton-Williams |