As part of the University of Baltimore’s centennial celebration, the Robert L. Bogomolny Library is embarking on an exciting journey through time. We’re turning back the clock to 1925, transforming our modern library into a nostalgic haven reminiscent of a bygone era.
We’ll begin by reintroducing more bookshelves filled with print books and hard copies of bound academic journals. Replacing the digital articles and ebooks will offer students a tactile experience and re-open opportunities for serendipitous discovery through browsing that have been hard to recreate with our online resources. This shift will not only enhance the aesthetic of our library but also provide a unique opportunity for patrons to engage with texts in their original form.
Next, we’ll be removing the computers and printers, replacing them with vintage typewriters and an old-style card catalog. Since we stopped using the card catalog last century, patrons will initially only be able to find books published before 1990. However, this limitation presents a unique chance to delve into historical scholarship that will offer valuable insight into how ideas have evolved over time.
We are also using this opportunity to align with the growing trend of digital detox programs, which help individuals concentrate by disconnecting from digital distractions. For an authentic 1925 feel, we will be turning off the WiFi in the building and installing equipment to jam cell phone signals within the library. This move will encourage patrons to focus on their studies without the constant ping of notifications or the temptation to scroll through social media.
“This transformation is not just about nostalgia; it’s about rediscovering the joys of a simpler, more focused academic environment. So, come and experience the RLB Library as it was meant to be in 1925. Let’s celebrate UBalt’s centennial by embracing the past” wrote perplexity.ai when prompted for text encouraging people to frequent a library that eschews modern technology.
Happy April Fool’s Day! While RLB Library isn’t celebrating the UBalt centennial by removing all technological innovations developed in the past 100 years, we are hosting a UBalt centennial exhibit on the 1st floor. Be sure to stop by and check it out when you are on campus. https://youtu.be/AV5qtd_X3pw?si=ZbdzYL1zYUkwrg_o
Coming soon: The online UBALT 100 exhibit hosted by our Special Collections and Archives will be available at
https://archivesub.omeka.net/exhibits