Overlapping Collections Across the Atlantic
Join the Linda Hall Library and the Royal Astronomical Society for a series exploring connections between our respective collections. Hosted as a four part conversation between the Society’s Librarian, Sian Prosser, and the Library’s Vice President for Special Collections, Jason W. Dean, this series will introduce the two organizations to attendees, highlight astronomical notable items in our collections, discuss the connection of archival material to published material, and discuss in depth the Pechell family and the material both institutions hold regarding that family. This session will introduce the two organizations and their histories to our audience. Sian and Jason will discuss the founding and purpose of each institution, their historical collections, and current collecting focuses. They will also highlight how their collections can be used today to inspire exploration in astronomical science for all. Sian Prosser has been Librarian and Archivist at the Royal Astronomical Society since 2014, having previously worked at the Brotherton Library, University of Leeds, and at University of Warwick library. After studying for a languages degree at the University of Glasgow and an MA in Medieval Studies at the University of Leeds, Sian worked in logistics and export before joining the French department of the University of Sheffield for an Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded PhD on French medieval manuscripts. Sian completed her MA in Library and Information Studies at University College London in 2011, and returned there for the Certificate of Higher Education in Astronomy, graduating in 2019. Jason W. Dean is Vice President for Special Collections at the Linda Hall Library. Prior to coming to the Library, Jason was Director of Special Collections & Archives at Southwestern University. He has previously held positions at the University of Arkansas and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. He earned an undergraduate degree in history from Hardin-Simmons University and his MS in Library and Information Science from Syracuse University. Jason has also completed coursework at Rare Book School at the University of Virginia. He is a member of the Grolier Club, and a past Institute of Library and Museum Services-Rare Book School fellow.
