Centre for Newfoundland Studies

Identity area

Identifier

NL0004

Authorized form of name

Centre for Newfoundland Studies

Parallel form(s) of name

  • CNS

Other form(s) of name

    Type

    • University

    Contact area

    Type

    Address

    Street address

    Centre for Newfoundland Studies, Queen Elizabeth II Library Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John's

    Locality

    Region

    NL

    Country name

    Canada

    Postal code

    A1B 3Y1

    Telephone

    (709) 864-7475/76

    Fax

    (709) 864-2153

    Email

    Note

    Description area

    History

    The Centre for Newfoundland Studies is not an archive but a library of published materials. It was founded in 1966 by a very enlightened university administration, which saw the importance of collecting and preserving old and new sources on Newfoundland and Labrador. (More information on the Centre’s history is given here: http://www.mun.ca/gazette/past/issues/vol38no8/newspage11.php )
    In line with the University Library, the Centre for Newfoundland Studies responds to the library needs of the teaching, learning and researching members of Memorial University. The CNS’s specific mandate is to collect all published materials relating to Newfoundland and Labrador; to offer library services such as a reading room, reference service and reproduction service to all members of the university and to the general public; to preserve the collection for future generations; and to prepare bibliographies as its contribution to Newfoundland and Labrador scholarship.
    During the late 1970s, the CNS created the Centre for Newfoundland Studies Archives, based on the many donations of correspondence (most notably the J. R. Smallwood Collection) and manuscripts it had received over the years. The CNSA existed until June 2005, when it separated from the CNS to become an archives in its own right – now known as the Archives and Special Collections Division of Memorial University Libraries.

    Geographical and cultural context

    The CNS exists to preserve writings about the island of Newfoundland and its mainland area Labrador, from the earliest times to the present.

    Mandates/Sources of authority

    The CNS collects every published document on every aspect of Newfoundland and Labrador, including everything written by and about Newfoundlanders/ Labradorians, in any format (monographs, journals, maps, film, sound recordings/ fiction, non-fiction, government documents).

    Administrative structure

    Reporting to the University Librarian and Associate UL: Head of CNS, Asst. Head, four reference services library assistants; six service desk library assistants.

    Records management and collecting policies

    The mandate is exhaustive; no category of publication is excluded.

    Buildings

    The CNS is a special collection of the Memorial University Libraries

    Holdings

    The CNS attempts to collect an exhaustive library of all published materials on Newfoundland and Labrador, retrospective and up to the present.

    Finding aids, guides and publications

    Classic Catalogue for books/reports: http://www.library.mun.ca/qeii/cns/ .
    The Centre's digital archive: http://collections.mun.ca/
    In-house research tools such as the PAB (for periodical literature): http://www.library.mun.ca/qeii/cns/pab.php ,
    the Map Bibliography: http://www.library.mun.ca/qeii/maps/NLmapbib.php
    and the NL Discography: http://www.library.mun.ca/qeii/cns/discography.php

    Access area

    Opening times

    The CNS is open every day during semester; weekdays have the longest hours, from 8:30am to 11pm. For up-to-date opening hours please visit this site: http://www.library.mun.ca/qeii/cns/cns_hours.php

    Access conditions and requirements

    All members of the general public are welcome. Researchers must show a recent photo ID. The reading room is a silent area. Food and drink are not allowed.

    Accessibility

    : Level 3, Queen Elizabeth II Library, Memorial University main campus, St. John’s, NL. The library has elevators and is wheel-chair accessible.

    Services area

    Research services

    In-person help is available for questions and for research advice. Also, email service at cnsqeii@mun.ca and phone service at (709)864-7476.

    Reproduction services

    Photocopying and scanning is available for a charge. Use of digital cameras is allowed.

    Public areas

    The Centre offers a public area (with reading room, a reference help desk and a service help desk).

    Control area

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    Institution identifier

    Rules and/or conventions used

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    Dates of creation, revision and deletion

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        Maintenance notes

        Access points

        Access Points