National Library of Scotland

The National Library of Scotland is solely a reference library. This fact however, should not discourage people from visiting this spectacular building. In addition to the collections in the reading rooms, there is an exhibition space, cafe and gift shop that features books and other items pertaining to Scotland and whatever may currently be on display in the exhibition rooms.

Golf lovers and historians would appreciate the collection of historic books, game cards, handbooks, manuals and so on that are always in the collection along with other aspects of Scottish culture. During my visit, the exhibition room had an excellent, museum-like display of golf in light of the recent tournament, called "A Swing Through Time." This display was very impressive since a couple rooms were filled with golf artifacts, including the Gutta Percha ball, which revolutionized the type of ball used in the game. The ground had cut out astroturf areas resembling greens, and even a putting green complete with fake scorecards that gave information on the exhibit. No details were spared in creating this space. The exhibit was interesting to golf enthusiasts, and non-golfers alike. I enjoyed a featured quote from Arnold Palmer, "What many people find in poetry or art museums, I find in the flight of a good drive." A collection like this truly can bring in the public in to a library they may have normally just passed by. The importance of bringing in more patrons grows as funding decreases for many libraries.

The John Murray Archive features several famous historic people, such as Jane Austen, Charles Darwin and Lord Byron. It had many interactive computer screens and tables. Patrons can use touch screens to learn factual historic and quirky information about the selected figures. The display of Charles Darwin includes clothing, and a wig resembling his famous beard and hair. Another entertaining piece was "The Publishing Machine." It illustrates the process of how some writers may get published by breaking down the themes used in many books. The user, or 'author,' can choose from "fact" or "fiction," then subject, genre, title, and cover. Libraries that have exhibitions like these should not fail in raising funds and drawing crowds.