World War I: Marking the Centenary
This June marks 100 years since the start of World War I. To commemorate the Centenary of ‘The Great War’, the University of St Andrews Library has decided to display materials from our collections for Library users and members of the general public to appreciate.
Over the coming years, the Library will pull materials from all areas of its collections to mark the Centenary, ensuring there will be something for everyone. Books, DVDs and Special Collections items will all be put on display for Library users to browse, explore and borrow. Some materials will relate to particular subjects taught within the University, so do keep an eye out for the different displays showcased during our centennial commemorations.
The Russell Cawthorn Collection is the Library’s largest gifted collection of materials for World War I and the related conflicts. Deposited by John Cawthorn on behalf of the 1926 Foundation, the collection includes primary source materials and current publications and aims to cover both mainstream aspects of World War I and associated conflicts. From the war on the Western Front to the Russian Revolution and Polish-Soviet War, this extensive collection is comprised of books and periodicals available to students and staff. The material spreads throughout the Main Library’s holdings, and some items can be found in Special Collections. Look out for a blog post from John Cawthorn himself on what the collection means to him and why he chose to donate it to the University of St Andrews.
In addition to the Russell Cawthorn Collection, the Library holds an assortment of other materials that will be of interest to those hoping for a more in depth exploration of the period. We have many novels and DVDs taking a more literary aspect of the war, such as All Quiet on the Western Front and Wooden Crosses and resources for French and German studies, Film Studies, and International Relations.
The Library has also become a member of the Imperial War Museum’s Partnership: a grouping of organizations that intend to mark the Centenary between 2014 and 2018. “Together, through the First World War Centenary Programme, a vibrant global programme of cultural events and activities, and online resources, we are connecting current and future generations with the lives, stories and impact of the First World War.” More information can be found at www.1914.org.
Browse the Russell Cawthorn Collection on SAULCAT and the WWI section of the Library (Floor 3, classmark D) for topics that interest you or visit the Centenary Libguide for a selection of available resources.
-Caralina Wonnacott, Library Intern