Guidance for NHL Librarians
Rules
Goals for the Future
Nowell House Librarians - Past and Present
1994-1996 Richard Westerman
The first librarian since the refurbishment of Nowell, this stalwart yeoman of this veritably constructive service, was the donor of many of the books which are on offer today. He succeeded in beginning the ‘alphabetisation’ of the books, though he never really was able to keep on top of the job in hand because of the lack of respect paid to the books by those less well educated. Under his watchful eye, the education section was started and began to flourish.
1996-1997 Andrew Carmichael and Russell Yeadon
Perhaps the most feared and dynamic librarians in the history of the NHL. Under them, and purely by their merit and inspiration, the NHCL was begun. Before their departure it contained over 250 prospecti, principally from Great Britain, but also extending as far as the USA, Australia and Hong Kong. The Video Library was begun as an extension to the NHCL, and the alphabetisation was completed in full. For the first time, all four shelves were filled and an increase in donated books was noticed (NB. The aforementioned shelves are approximately three metres long)
NHCL – Tricks of the Trade
A major source of UK prospecti. The house librarian should attempt to acquire a minimum of 50 prospecti. However, there should also be opportunity whilst there to send away for many others. These should not be sent away for under a real, or remotely sensible, name. Alias’ used previously include Booner Rogers-Beth, Andrew Idspud, Russell Y. Idon, Russell Yidon, Ignatious Idspud, and of course the infamous Bonner Emm. Many hilarious variations are possible on the names of the librarians and their friends.
It cannot be stressed enough that, although tempting, it is illegal, unfair, and simply not cricket, to steal prospecti from the school careers library. However many prospecti contain FREEPOST application forms which may be ripped out the back of prospecti and sent off to get more prospecti. If the librarian uses his title of Nowell House Careers Librarian in the address, some universities will send up to 15 prospecti in one parcel! If a normal alias is used it is important to remember to put "Nowell House" in the address. NB. More than one prospectus may be obtained from a university by using multiple alias’. These should be sent off at at least one week intervals - suspicion may set in(One of the great challenges faced by a House Librarian is getting multiple prospecti from Luton Arseport. The admissions department at this institution keeps a list of address’s that have received prospecti and will usually send a short note telling you that you already have a prospectus and they aren’t going to send any more. Mention that you represent the NHCL, however, and they will melt and obey your every command.)
Some of the more jewish universities will have rip-out forms in their prospecti, but will not have provided a freepost service. This hurdle can be overcome by writing "URGENT" or "VERY URGENT" in the area where the stamp would be. This usually works, but be prepared to try three or four times to the same university. They will usually realise how mean they are being and send you what you demand. Again mention of the NHCL will help greatly. NB. The Yidon/Frang Dynasty were able to procure 13 prospecti from Brunel by this method.
You would be surprised at the excellence of this source - the possibilities are endless! You can e-mail any university, anywhere in the world, and demand prospecti! Even well established librarians are surprised by how even universities from far-flung corners of the Earth will readily use up stamps upon hearing the initials "NHCL". The internet is also incredibly useful for acquiring rarer British prospectuses, especially from universities not in UCAS.
Many UK universities issue these with the general prospecti so, where available, ask for these. Often the mere status as a careers librarian is all that is needed to get a complete set. NB. During the Yidon/Frang Dynasty Birmingham University sent five copies of each of their 45 departmental prospecti(although this did require mention of the NHCL).
These are excellent opportunities to acquire many copies of prospecti and departmental prospecti since they are simply handed out willy-nilly. It’s like taking candy from a baby!
Finally, remember to write a short note and sign all prospecti being donated to the house library - this will ensure honour and respect from future generations.
The Role Of An NHL Librarian