The final submission in this series by the staff of the APRL in commemoration of National Library Week comes from myself, Scott Tiffney Librarian and Director of Information Services. By way of a brief background, I’ve been very fortunate and honored to be working at the APRL and serving our members for over ten years now starting as a library volunteer, then as the Reference Assistant and finally in my current position.
“When I think of this year’s theme of “There’s More to the Story” and the APRL there are so many things that come to mind. When I started here I knew very little about philately, mostly from my older brother, but one of the most interesting discoveries I’ve made since working here is that some of the best and most useful resources of information in the hobby aren’t found on the shelves of the APRL. Instead they are the collectors themselves.”
The community within philately is one of the most engaging and inviting I’ve experienced, especially with the sharing of information and in educating other less knowledgeable. This environment of sharing and community is what makes the hobby so universal.
“Whether you collect stamps or covers, perfins or postmarks, the depth of knowledge and specialization among collectors seems almost limitless. I remember when first coming to the library I was, and still am, overwhelmed by the sheer number of books and journals that cover some specific aspect of the hobby and in turn to think of all the people that have written on those subjects.”
The sharing of knowledge, evidenced here at the 2019 Summer Seminar.
“But beyond the specialists that exist in the hobby, the collections of the APRL also provide much more to the story when we think of all of the different types of materials that we have in the collection, many of which you may not see in your typical public or academic library. Items such as auction catalogs, name sales, Postmaster General reports, postal guides, stamp albums, stamp show programs, stamp catalogs (general and specialized), post office records, post office new issue posters, postal route maps, postal uniforms, postal scales to name just a few.”
No matter the format, all of the resources in the APRL collection have some research value to someone, some kernel of knowledge not found anywhere else.
“Finally, I wouldn’t do the theme of National Library Week justice if I didn’t mention our digital resources and how they add to what’s more to the story at the APRL. From the ever-growing Robert A. Mason Digital Library (doubling in size since March 2022) to the David Straight Memorial Philatelic Union Catalog we have and continue to grow our digital resources and the remote access to them.”
With philately being by its nature such a visual hobby, I’m both excited and encouraged by the direction we are taking with our digital initiatives.
As National Library Week draws to a close, on behalf of the library staff I would like to thank all those who use the services and resources of the APRL and show their support of the library with their time, talents and contributions. Your ongoing support encourages us to forge ahead with the mission of the library to provide the most comprehensive collection philatelic resources that is accessible to all.”