Medieval History
Jonathan Bengston has started his new role as the Librarian for the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies (PIMS) at the University of Toronto, one of the most important libraries for medievalists in North America.
He took over the position earlier this week from Father James K. Farge, who will continue to work with PIMS in a part-time role. Bengston also serves as the Director of Library and Archives University of St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto (both libraries are located in the same building).
In an interview with Medievalists.net, Mr. Bengston said, "The PIMS library is world-renowned for good reason and it is at once humbling and energizing to have the honour of overseeing such a remarkable resource in mediaeval studies."
He adds, "It also brings my own intellectual and administrative interests full circle having trained as a medievalist at Oxford and then beginning my career as a librarian overseeing substantial collections (including medieval mss) in an institution founded in the 14th century (The Queen's College). I am hopeful that I can use whatever experience and knowledge I might have to enhance and support the mission of the Institute. I am absolutely delighted to be at St. Michael's and at PIMS and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with both institutions."
The PIMS Library, which opened in 1929, has over 120 000 volumes and 50 000 slides in its collection, along with a strong collection of medieval manuscripts and early printed books. The library is used by faculty and graduate students at the University of Toronto, the leading institutions for medieval studies in Canada.
Jonathan Bengston has held various senior positions in academic libraries in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom ? including as the Executive Director of the Providence Athenaeum (founded in 1753) in Providence, Rhode Island, and as the Head Librarian of the Queen?s College, Oxford (founded in 1341). He has worked for the University of Toronto for since 2004, and is currently writing a book for University of Toronto Press on an introduction to medieval manuscripts.
Asked about his future goals for the PIMS Library, Mr. Bengston replied, "Right now I am just listening and learning from my colleagues at the Institute and in the Library. One thing that will remain a constant is the library's emphasis on building broad, deep and well defined collections within the larger context of the remarkable collections at the University of Toronto. Further improving the accessibility of collections through additional description and cataloguing, as well as digitization, will likely also be a priority."
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Medieval History
New Librarian at the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies
Jonathan Bengston has started his new role as the Librarian for the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies (PIMS) at the University of Toronto, one of the most important libraries for medievalists in North America.
He took over the position earlier this week from Father James K. Farge, who will continue to work with PIMS in a part-time role. Bengston also serves as the Director of Library and Archives University of St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto (both libraries are located in the same building).
In an interview with Medievalists.net, Mr. Bengston said, "The PIMS library is world-renowned for good reason and it is at once humbling and energizing to have the honour of overseeing such a remarkable resource in mediaeval studies."
He adds, "It also brings my own intellectual and administrative interests full circle having trained as a medievalist at Oxford and then beginning my career as a librarian overseeing substantial collections (including medieval mss) in an institution founded in the 14th century (The Queen's College). I am hopeful that I can use whatever experience and knowledge I might have to enhance and support the mission of the Institute. I am absolutely delighted to be at St. Michael's and at PIMS and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with both institutions."
The PIMS Library, which opened in 1929, has over 120 000 volumes and 50 000 slides in its collection, along with a strong collection of medieval manuscripts and early printed books. The library is used by faculty and graduate students at the University of Toronto, the leading institutions for medieval studies in Canada.
Asked about his future goals for the PIMS Library, Mr. Bengston replied, "Right now I am just listening and learning from my colleagues at the Institute and in the Library. One thing that will remain a constant is the library's emphasis on building broad, deep and well defined collections within the larger context of the remarkable collections at the University of Toronto. Further improving the accessibility of collections through additional description and cataloguing, as well as digitization, will likely also be a priority."
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Franklin T. Harkins, Ph.D., assistant professor of theology and medieval studies, is working to shed new light on the nature of theological education in the High Middle Ages. As part of a yearlong Mellon Fellowship at the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval...
- Pims Summer School In Paleography
This is to announce that the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies in Toronto will be offering a course on medieval Latin paleography in the summer, 1-29 June. The course will be taught by the Director of the Institute, Dr. Michele Mulchahey, and...
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35TH ANNUAL SAINT LOUIS CONFERENCE ON MANUSCRIPT STUDIES, 17?18 OCTOBER 2008 The Knights of Columbus Vatican Film Library at Saint Louis University and its journal, "Manuscripta," are pleased to announce program and registration information for the Thirty-Fifth...
- Making Sense: Constructing Meaning In Early English
MAKING SENSE: CONSTRUCTING MEANING IN EARLY ENGLISH edited by Antonette diPaolo Healey and Kevin Kiernan. Publications of the Dictionary of Old English 7 (Toronto: Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies 2007). xii, 138 pages. ISBN 978-0-88844-907-8...
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