Unearthing a Century of Literary Opinions: Teh Los Angeles Public Library’s Historic Book Review Cards
Table of Contents
- 1. Unearthing a Century of Literary Opinions: Teh Los Angeles Public Library’s Historic Book Review Cards
- 2. A Pre-Internet Search Engine for Book Lovers
- 3. More Than Just Reviews: Shaping the Library’s Collection
- 4. A Glimpse into the Past: The Review Process
- 5. A Treasure Trove Accessible to the Public
- 6. A Reflection of Staff and Society
- 7. The Enduring Value of Physical Archives in the Digital Age
- 8. given the discussion of librarians acting as literary gatekeepers, what criteria, besides literary merit, did they likely use when evaluating books for inclusion in the LAPL’s collection?
- 9. Unearthing Literary Treasures: A Conversation with LAPL Historian, Dr. Eleanor ainsworth
- 10. The LAPL’s Book Review Cards: A Glimpse into the Past
- 11. More Than Just Reviews: Shaping Literary Collections
- 12. A Window into Past Attitudes and Cultural Context
- 13. The Enduring Power of Physical Archives
- 14. Uncovering Forgotten Literary Gems
Before the digital age,discovering a new novel’s essence often meant a trip to the local library. At the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL), curious minds could consult a unique resource: an index of fiction book review cards, a treasure trove of staff members’ thoughts on new releases spanning from the 1920s to the 1980s.
A Pre-Internet Search Engine for Book Lovers
Robert Anderson, a librarian at the LAPL sence 1980, highlights the practical role these cards played.”In the the pre-internet days, when you couldn’t just Google something, if people called and said, ‘I’ve heard about this book and I just want to know what it’s about,’ you could pull out the card and read it to them or show it to them if they were in person,” Anderson said.They offered a valuable service, connecting readers with information in an era devoid of instant online access.
More Than Just Reviews: Shaping the Library’s Collection
The impact of these reviews extended beyond assisting the public. They were instrumental in collection development. “They didn’t always write reviews for every book, but it was a major way they made the decision on what to buy, particularly for newer authors,” Anderson explained. A favorable review significantly increased the likelihood of the library acquiring a title,often in multiple copies. This system underscores the power of internal staff recommendations in shaping a library’s holdings.
A Glimpse into the Past: The Review Process
The review process was straightforward. Staff members would create a short synopsis and personal review on an index card. They would then indicate whether the library should purchase the book, the number of copies to order, and an evaluation of its “literary merit.” The cards even included adjectives for reviewers to underline, capturing the emotional impact of the story on readers.
For example, the library’s review of Virginia Woolf’s 1925 novel, Mrs.Dalloway, saw the reviewer underline “wholesome,” “pleasant,” and “interesting.” Anderson mused on this characterization, noting he wasn’t sure why the writer considered Woolf’s writing – which deals with loneliness and other often dark human experiences – to be wholesome, “but they did,” offering a fascinating insight into the perspectives of readers from a different era.
A Treasure Trove Accessible to the Public
While the library still houses its collection of staff reviews from the 1950s to the 1980s, it’s not always prominently displayed.”They’re in these drawers, but they’re not drawers that have a big label saying, ‘read these 100-year-old staff reviews,’ ” Anderson said.
A Reflection of Staff and Society
These reviews are now a window into the past, offering insights into the attitudes and cultural context of the time. “They’ve become an interesting reflection on not just the books themselves, but on the library staff who wrote these reviews and the attitudes prevalent in the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, on particular subjects,” Anderson said. “just in the short little pieces of writing on these cards, you can find a lot about the particular time when these reviews were written and about the people who are writing the reviews.”
The Enduring Value of Physical Archives in the Digital Age
While digital resources dominate today, the LAPL’s collection highlights the enduring value of physical archives. These cards offer a tangible connection to the past, providing a unique perspective on literary history and the evolution of cultural values. They remind us that knowledge can be found in unexpected places, waiting to be rediscovered and appreciated.
Explore the Los Angeles Public Library’s index of fiction book review cards and uncover a century of literary opinions. What forgotten gems might you discover? Visit the Central Library reference desk to begin yoru historical literary journey and experience the past in a tactile and engaging way.
given the discussion of librarians acting as literary gatekeepers, what criteria, besides literary merit, did they likely use when evaluating books for inclusion in the LAPL’s collection?
Unearthing Literary Treasures: A Conversation with LAPL Historian, Dr. Eleanor ainsworth
At Archyde, we’re always fascinated by the intersection of history and literature. recently,the Los Angeles Public Library’s (LAPL) historic book review cards,spanning from the 1920s to the 1980s,caught our eye. To delve deeper into this unique collection, we spoke with Dr. Eleanor Ainsworth, a historian specializing in library science and archival studies.
The LAPL’s Book Review Cards: A Glimpse into the Past
Archyde: Dr. Ainsworth, thank you for joining us. for our readers unfamiliar with the collection, could you explain the significance of the LAPL’s book review cards?
Dr. Ainsworth: it’s my pleasure. These cards represent a fascinating pre-digital index of literary opinions. before Google and online reviews dominated, librarians at the LAPL meticulously documented their thoughts on new fiction releases. These weren’t just summaries; they were genuine reactions, shaping the library’s collection and providing valuable insights to curious patrons.
More Than Just Reviews: Shaping Literary Collections
Archyde: We understand these reviews played a crucial role in collection advancement. How did a staff member’s opinion influence whether a book made it onto the shelves?
Dr. Ainsworth: Absolutely. A positive review was a powerful endorsement.Librarians would assess a book’s “literary merit,” note its potential appeal to readers, and even suggest the number of copies to order. For emerging authors, a favorable review from the LAPL could be a game-changer, increasing visibility and readership.The library staff effectively acted as literary gatekeepers, guiding readers toward compelling new voices.
A Window into Past Attitudes and Cultural Context
Archyde: Mr. Anderson, from LAPL, mentioned that the reviews offer a reflection of the staff and society during the time.Could you elaborate on this aspect?
Dr. Ainsworth: Precisely. The language used, the criteria for evaluation, and even the adjectives chosen reveal contemporary attitudes. A review of Virginia Woolf, such as, might surprise modern readers with its characterization. These cards offer a subtle, yet insightful, commentary on the cultural context in which they were written, allowing us to understand how tastes and perspectives have evolved over time. By studying the reviews, it is possible to infer the cultural, social and political context of the time.
The Enduring Power of Physical Archives
Archyde: In our increasingly digital world, what is the importance of preserving physical archives like these historical book review cards?
Dr.ainsworth: Digital resources are invaluable, but physical archives offer a unique tactile and sensory experience. Holding a card, seeing the handwritten notes, and sensing the age of the paper creates a tangible connection to the past that a digital file can’t replicate. These cards are not just about books; they’re about people, their thoughts, and the evolution of literary culture. They’re a reminder that knowledge exists beyond the screen.
Uncovering Forgotten Literary Gems
Archyde: what do you hope readers will take away from learning about the LAPL’s historic book review cards?
Dr. Ainsworth: I hope it inspires them to explore their local libraries and archives. there are so many hidden literary treasures waiting to be discovered. These cards demonstrate that valuable insights can be found in unexpected places. It also encourages us to consider how our own opinions and reviews might be interpreted by future generations. it emphasizes the lasting importance of libraries as keepers of knowledge and cultural heritage.
Archyde: Dr. Ainsworth,this has been incredibly insightful. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us.
Dr. Ainsworth: Thank you for having me.
Archyde: What forgotten gem might *you* discover within this literary time capsule? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below!
