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"The history of radio is fascinating">
"The history of radio is fascinating, and the
technical details of the art and science of radiotelegraphy and
radiotelephony are continually changing. Since Tesla(!) invented
radio, and Marconi's first transatlantic transmissions in 1901,
amateur radio clubs have supported this fascinating area of human
endeavor by erecting antennas, establishing stations, and
maintaining libraries. From the sparkgap era to PSK31, from
handkeys to the latest keyers and microphones, the documentation
of the hobby has been continuous. The library at The Radio Club of
Tacoma is one of the oldest in the nation, and there is a rich
treasure here of old and new information.
The Library Committee
and the Board of W7DK aim to maintain a collection of high quality
documenting the history of amateur radio as well as covering the
most current technical details. As the photos show, the holdings
include a priceless series of QST's, historic books, schematics
for radios over the last 100 years, ARRL technical publications,
and many other interesting volumes.
The library exists for club
members to enjoy, so please come by and take a look. Books and
magazines do not circulate at the present time, but there is a
photocopy machine at the clubhouse. Through volunteer efforts, we
are close to having books cataloged and labeled, a computer
station (with printer) for QST articles, and a reading space.
Volunteer labors are just that--volunteer--so be patient with the
progress.
The W7OS Library team members are:
Radio Club of Tacoma Library
Purpose, Policies, and Projects as of January
13, 2006
Purpose
The library exists to preserve the history of
the club and of radio as well as provide up-to-date technical
information to members.
Policies for Library Assessment and
Management
1. Limited space requires careful selection
of materials for RCT library collection
A. Final authority to make library
decisions, or decisions about donations, belongs to Head
Librarian in consultation with Library Committee
B. When donations are accepted the donor
relinquishes all claims on the donated material: donor can
receive a tax-deductible receipt upon request; donated items
(as appropriate) go to library, Saturday flea markets, or
annual Hamfest (sale of donated items benefits W7DK
organization)
C. The Head Librarian in consultation with
Library Committee periodically culls out-dated or unneeded
items from the library
2. Priority given to items related to the
history of the Radio Club of Tacoma
3. Priority given to items recording the
history of radio or radio operations
4. Priority given to items necessary for
up-to-date understanding of radio theory, construction, or
operations (especially FCC, ARRL, other important amateur radio
organizations)
5. New items will be acquired over time in
accord with previous criteria
6. Library items do not circulate
7. Library policy and projects are approved
by the RCT Board
Current projects under oversight of the
Library Committee
1. Weeding or culling of library to make
space for new items
2. Enhancing the usefulness of the library by
selective new acquisitions
3. Deciding about acceptance of donated items
4. Stamping and labeling of library items,
computer cataloging of library items
5. Fitting new shelving to make the library
more accessible and the upstairs more inviting of use
6. Securing items of extraordinary value
(special archives)
7. Establishing a library computer terminal
upstairs for work with library catalog and select on-line
reading materials
Project in conjunction with Club
Historian
Archiving old pictures with identification
information.
Stop by the Clubhouse and check out
the W7OS Library progress. Best Regards... | ||||||||||||||||||||
