A message from Club Head Librarian, Doug Oakman, AD7AV
"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.

 If you have ideas you would like to share about the library, or items to donate, send a message to Librarian Doug Oakman AD7AV oakmande@plu.edu. -- 73 to all."

The library team members are:

Doug AD7AV

Pat WT7N

Alan N7OMS

Gary WG7X





Doug AD7AV

 
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.
 

 

A very small sample of the old and priceless books pertaining to the history of radio on display in the RCT Library.
 
New Photos...Soon New Photos...Soon
The RCT Library has QST magazines, and other amateur radio publications, that date back to 1916.

NOTE:  The Library area is under construction to create more modern-more useable shelving.  The shelves pictured above have been replaced with new.  Stop by the Clubhouse and check out the progress.

 

 

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