A tiny sample of books from my last library trip.
A few days ago I posted a note here. It was a screengrab of a thread by the historian Hallie Rubenhold and it had really got me thinking.
Hallie’s description of the experience of being in the British Library really resonated. But it also made me sad - because that isn’t how I currently experience research time.
Although tt certainly used to be.
But over the last few years research trips have turned into a race against time. No thinking - just snapping. Page after page with my phone.
Whilst no longer living in London means that it is vital to make the most of any library time it isn’t the only reason why things changed. To be honest the reason is fear.
Fear that I haven’t read enough. Fear that someone somewhere has already dismissed my argument. Fear that I will miss a vital clue.
There is also the fear borne out of the impact of Covid lockdowns.
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