News
Research
One-of-a-kind corrected proofs shed new light on a philosophical masterpiece
The acquisition of the proofs, which are now part of the Library’s extensive Bertrand Russell Archives – the largest and most complete collection of Russell materials in the world – was funded through a donation to McMaster University by philosopher and Russell scholar Bernard Linsky in honour of his parents, Joan and Leonard Linsky. “We are thrilled that, after more than a century, these corrected proofs are now publicly available to scholars around the world, says Vivian Lewis, McMaster University Librarian. “We are truly grateful for this remarkable gift which will no doubt help to new shed light on many aspects of Russell scholarship.”
Events
Paying tribute to the “queen of Jamaican culture”
A special event celebrating Miss Lou’s remarkable contributions to Jamaican culture was held at Harbourfront Centre, bringing together members of the Jamaican community to pay tribute to Miss Lou and mark the 100th anniversary of her birth. Hosted in part by McMaster University Library – where Miss Lou’s archives in Canada are housed – the event welcomed guests from both Jamaica and Canada, and included performances honouring the life, work and impact of Miss Lou.
Resources
Kickstart your career, upgrade your skills with LinkedIn Learning
Free to all McMaster students, faculty and staff, LinkedIn Learning video tutorials are taught by leading industry experts and cover a wide range of topics in the areas of technology, business, professional and creative skills.
Faculty Stories
Acclaimed philosopher named Library’s new Scholar in Residence
As Scholar in Residence, Nicholas Griffin – a leading expert in the work and life of British philosopher Bertrand Russell– will undertake and contribute to a number of projects related to advancing Russell scholarship, including an initiative aimed at making the Library’s vast Bertrand Russell Archives more easily accessible online to scholars globally.
Research
New collection sheds light on the golden age of pulp fiction
More than 900 paperbacks produced by Canadian authors and publishers during the golden age of pulp fiction can now be found in the William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections, part of a unique collection recently donated to McMaster University Library by acclaimed poet, publisher and bookseller, Nelson Ball.
Events
Celebrating the legacy of Henry Thode
“More than any other single leader, Henry Thode dominates any discussion of the giants of McMaster’s history,” said Andrew Colgoni, services librarian at Thode Library. McMaster faculty, staff and alumni, along with members of the Thode family, recently came together to honour the extraordinary vision of Henry Thode and celebrate two significant milestones connected to his legacy – the 60th anniversary of the McMaster Nuclear Reactor and the 40th anniversary of the H.G Thode Library of Science and Engineering.
Resources
Giant floor map explores past, present and future of Indigenous peoples of Canada
The 11 x 8 metre map – the cornerstone of the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada, was created by the Royal Canadian Geographic Society in collaboration with The Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, The Métis National Council, and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. McMaster University Library organized the display as part of the CARTO conference of the Association of Canadian Map Libraries and Archives, which is being hosted by the Library from June 11-14.
Resources
Commemorating D-Day: Library’s maps help tell the story of WWII’s longest day
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day, Gord Beck, McMaster University Library’s map specialist, highlights some of the rare and unique WWII maps that can be found in McMaster University Library’s extensive collection of World War II maps, part of the Lloyd Reeds Maps Collection and the largest online collection of WWII maps in the world.
Research
Scientific texts by Galileo, Leonardo and Newton among the Library’s many hidden gems
Seminal works by Galileo Galilei. Leonardo da Vinci. Sir Isaac Newton. Émilie du Châtelet, and other important scientific figures are among the many gems that can be found in McMaster University Library’s extensive rare books collection, and were also among a selection of works recently on display at a special open house hosted by the library as part of its year-long celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
Faculty Stories
Exploring the legacy of a 19th century musical superstar
McMaster professor emeritus Alan Walker's new biography, “Fryderyk Chopin: A Life and Times,” brings to life the composer's towering musical legacy – one that continues to inspire performers and captivate audiences more than 170 years after his death. Walker, whose archives are housed in McMaster’s William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections, was recently on campus to talk about his celebrated biography at a special literary concert, hosted by McMaster University Library in partnership with The Socrates Project.
Events
Library’s year-long celebration of STEM kicks off with an evening of science and storytelling
Science & Storytelling, a special event hosted by McMaster University Library in partnership with Hamilton’s Steel City Stories, brought together alumni, faculty, students and community members to share their personal experiences about the diverse ways in which science has intersected with their lives.
