ISSN 1039-3498 | no. 61 | February 2003
Petherick Room Readers: Scholars at Work and Play
The Petherick Reading Room is provided by the National Library for people engaged in advanced scholarship and research. It offers a quiet space and the opportunity to have more materials in use and set aside for longer periods. As well as providing assistance in accessing the National Librarys collections and services and training in using electronic resources, library staff encourage a sense of community of scholarship through regular seminars on work in progress and a monthly email newsletter.
People undertaking high-level research can apply for a Petherick Readers card online at <www.nla.gov.au/infoserv/pethrc.html>. Applications are received from all over Australia and also from overseas. There are currently 271 registered readers who are researching topics which cover a wide range of subjects from Australian organ music to whaling. Library staff are currently developing an online web site listing areas of research interest and recent publications by Petherick readers. This Research Register will be launched in March and will be available through the Petherick Reading Room web page at <www.nla.gov.au/infoserv/prr.html>.
The Petherick readers are known for their academic works but not necessarily for their sporting prowess. Not any more! It all changed when some Petherick readers who had watched the National Librarys Staff Sports Day decided to issue a sporting challenge to the Petherick staff. Softball was the chosen sport. This caused a ripple of panic through those of us who hadnt played for years (if at all!). Both teams became involved in a flurry of training and a discussion about the rules.
The big day arrived and the weather was perfect; sunny with a gentle breeze. The National Know-Alls team chose to wear dramatic red but the prize for costume design went to the Petherick Pedants who wore white T-shirts emblazoned with a photograph of Mr and Mrs Petherick and very smart monogrammed caps.
A large crowd gathered under the trees to watch the lunchtime event. The cheer squads waved streamers to motivate the teams. The game was very exciting with several dramatic runs home and slides to the base. The final score was 20 to the Petherick Pedants and 14 to the National Know-Alls.
Negotiations are underway for the next challenge perhaps a
spelling bee or game of croquet!
Mary Gosling, Petherick
Librarian
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