Librarian: Dr Clive Norris Email: librarian@wesleyhistoricalsociety.org.uk
The Librarian, Dr Clive Norris, reports that some three thousand volumes and other material from the Society’s collections have now returned from storage to the Society’s splendid new reading room in Wesley Memorial Church, Oxford. The books have been shelved in provisional locations, and other historic items are on display.
One priority now is to set up the new library systems, including the mechanism for recalling books from the National Conservation Centre, where most of our holdings are still in storage. A second priority is to audit the reading room contents, checking for example if any books need conservation, and in doing so to refine the organisation of the shelves.
We currently envisage that the reading room will open formally in September. However, if you can help with the audit and reshelving work over the coming months, or would like to visit the reading room, please contact the Librarian.
The material which will be available in Oxford will include:
- Leading Methodist reference volumes, including Wesley’s works
- A selection of secondary material (inc. local histories, biographies, etc.)
- Methodist periodicals (1778-1970s)
- Methodist Conference agendas and minutes
- Methodist missionary notices and reports
- Items from other special collections.
A selection of the historic material which has been digitised is available through the Westminster Oxford Research Network at https://www.flickr.com/photos/ocmch/albums