Murdoch University Library SF Collection

[emma_in_dream]

Here is the letter I wrote them.



Dear Ms Shiers -

Thank you so much for talking to me about Murdoch University's plans for the SF collection on 26 July.

I appreciate you are in a difficult financial situation and must dedicate funds to those areas which represent Murdoch's key teaching and research priorities.

I would, however, urge Murdoch University to continue collecting SF books if possible. Firstly, I would point out that units focussing on SF are currently taught at Murdoch University.

I would also like to make a broader point. The Murdoch University SF collection is recognised nationally as an outstanding collection, and it would be a shame to let it founder and cease to show developments in SF.

SF is an enormously popular genre, and I know that the Murdoch collection is used by many people not enrolled at the university. I myself benefited when Grant Stone lent me some works with rare and interesting covers for an art show I organised in 2004 (and, indeed, all those who went to the art show benefited).

I sincerely believe the Murdoch University's SF collection is an asset for SF fans in Western Australia. I know this is not your core area of activity, but I also am sure it must please you, as librarians, to know there are readers so active and engaged that they use your books, form book clubs, organise conventions to discuss SF, and form clubs to appreciate SF.

I do hope you can continue to acquire SF works.

I have written this in a personal capacity, but if you wish to liaise with the Australian Science Fiction Foundation (ASFF), I am the local representative.

Sincerely

etc



And the response.



Dear Emma,

Thank-you for your interest and support of the Murdoch University Library collection, specifically, the science fiction material which has been collected over many years. Let me assure you that the University does recognize the value of the resource we have in the science fiction collection and we in the University Library will continue to manage all our library collections and resources for the benefit of scholars and students at Murdoch (and elsewhere as appropriate). You note quite correctly that some Murdoch University units focus on science fiction and while this is the case, the Library will continue to develop this collection.

Best wishes,
Liz