| AdminHistory | As the Department of Zoology originally included entomology (the Insect Room), the Zoology Library was similarly responsible for entomological literature. A separate Department of Entomology was created in 1913, but Zoology continued to control the acquisition of entomological publications until 1937, when Entomology took over responsibility for the purchase and control of purely entomological library material. Until 1939 the main part of the library was situated in the South West corridor of the Waterhouse Building, with sectional libraries in the adjoining studies. Clarence ('Charlie') Wood (Technical Assistant, 2nd class) was put in charge, with Bernard Clifton (Attendant) working part-time and Frank Barnett (Clerk) as general supervisor. In 1939 much of the library was dispersed to How Caple Court, near Ross-on-Wye, and Wray Castle, Ambleside.
Until 1946 the subject libraries were responsible for purchasing, cataloguing and keeping their own accounts; subsequently these functions were centralised in the General Library, although the departmental libraries remained under the authority of the Keeper of their department. In the same year, 1946, Bernard Clifton (now a Technical Assistant, 2nd class) returned from war service, and due to Wood's ill health, gradually took over most of the latter's duties. In 1949 Clifton effectively became the Entomology librarian.
After the war the library was split between the South West Corridor and the third floor landing of the half-built Entomology Block. The main part of the library moved into the third floor in February 1952 on completion of the building.
Pamela Gilbert was appointed to the library in 1956, replacing Charlie Wood on his retirement as the second member of staff. Guy Moody joined as assistant in November 1973, and Pam Gilbert became librarian on Bernard Clifton's retirement in 1974. In 1975 all the subject libraries were brought together into the Department of Library Services, whilst keeping their individual identity. Moody was succeeded by Ann Lum in 1977, and on her move to the Palaeontology Library in 1981, Nick Derry became Assistant Librarian. Julie Harvey followed Derry in 1983, and became the Entomology Librarian in 1991 when Pam Gilbert moved over to become full-time Deputy Head of DLS.
In 2005, due to the demolition of the Entomology Building to make way for the second phase of the Darwin Centre, the Entomology library was moved down to the Museum's outstore in Wandsworth. |