Timeless Core: Library student handbooks 90 years apart

By Ardyne Cara Aguilar, Student Marketing Projects Assistant at the McGill Libraries and U2 student in the Faculty of Arts, majoring in Psychology with double minors in Behavioral Science and Management.

As the new academic year unfolds, McGill University is filled with vibrant and exciting orientation events happening all over the campus. The beauty of this time of the year is seeing both new and returning McGillians attending the events carefully planned and rolled out by various university staff and departments. This time of year always bring a sense of familiarity, new beginnings, and tradition that binds the McGill community together. 

As we celebrate and welcome the new academic year, it’s also the perfect time to reminisce about McGill Libraries’ enduring role on campus. An old McGill Library Students’ Handbook from the 1930s serves as a time capsule that allows us to take a glimpse back at  our history and acts as a reminder that as we embrace the new, some things remain the same. 

1930s vs 2024 Library Handbook: What’s Changed? 

At first glance, the old 1930s Library Handbook seems worlds apart from the new Library Matters Handbook – so much has evolved throughout the years. Yet, as we start to dig deeper into  both orientation materials, we find that while many things have changed, the heart of the McGill Libraries remains the same. 

While the approach to topics covered differs – what you need to know about the libraries is always there! The old handbook displays a prudent and rigid approach to its contents, only including essential guidelines and comprehensive information for students to navigate the libraries. It’s as if the strictness in tone and delivery of information could seep through its pages. In contrast, the new Library Matters handbook has a more vibrant and friendlier approach — this may be a reflection of students’ involvement in the handbook’s development process and technical advancements in the design and layout of content. The current version includes students’ frequently asked questions about the libraries, a wellness guides, fun games, music playlists, and, of course, pivotal information about the McGill Libraries’ locations, services, access, and spaces. 

Number of library locations

An interesting distinction between the old and new handbooks is the number of libraries from their corresponding eras. In the 1930s, McGill University had 17 different libraries and departments (such as entomology, botanical, ornithology and even travelling libraries). Currently, the McGill Libraries has 9 locations (12 units), where different areas of study still exist but are classified differently.

How to find information has always been key

Perhaps the most fascinating contrast is how different library guidelines and processes were in the 1930s. It was a time when card catalogues were the norm and everything —from keeping records to searching and borrowing books— was done manually. Back then, borrowing a book involved finding the information through a physical card catalogue and recording the transaction on a paper card. And if you missed a book’s return due date, then you could expect someone to knock on your door to inquire and collect the book you forgot to return. Today, we have the convenience of doing the same processes digitally. The internet, online databases, and digital resources now allow us to access information quickly – it’s hassle and paper free. Adapting innovatively with the times, McGill Libraries delivers services to match the ever-evolving technical advancements in information sourcing and delivery. Services like the Libraries’ Ask Us virtual reference service are designed to accommodate diverse situations, systems, and communities. 

Despite the differences between the old and new, the timeless core of the McGill Libraries remains unchanged. It has been and will always be a place to access knowledge, learn, develop, and collaborate. As you explore the libraries during the orientation weeks and beyond, take a moment to notice and reflect on the connection between the past and present. Whether you’re attending orientation events (like the Soda Social events!), flipping through the new orientation handbook, or simply finding and securing your new favourite  study spot, know that you’re now part of a tradition that spans decades. 

Welcome to the McGill Libraries! Where the more things change, the more they stay the same.