Georgia Prince has had oversight of Auckland Libraries' rare books collection since the late 1970s. In this kōrero with Mark Gosper, she talks about the transition from rare books as "treasures", kept apart from the main collection but not necessarily well preserved by modern standards, to the development of a large department given over entirely to Special Collections as it is now known.

Rare books, due to their very nature, are afforded special treatment, an elevated status (literally and figuratively) that sees the librarian tasked with their care juggling the competing demands of accessibility and preservation. These collections are of necessity still kept in special storage, however modern technologies, including digital reproduction have helped extend not only their shelf life but also their availability.

Georgia also discusses the changing attitudes to New Zealand books and their belated recognition as equally worthy of preservation as their international and perhaps more prestigious shelf-mates.

We welcome you to join us as we fling open the doors on the rare books, roll out the blue carpet (well, reminisce about it at least) and reveal a little more about your library.

Recorded at the Auckland Central library on 6 December 2018

Produced by Mark Gosper 2019 - 2020