Histories intertwined: tracing the evolution of the South African Astronomical Observatory Library and information service within the historical development of astronomy in South Africa

De Young, Theresa; Raju, Jaya

Histories intertwined: tracing the evolution of the South African Astronomical Observatory Library and information service within the historical development of astronomy in South Africa

Journal Article

2024

Journal Title

Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage

Department

Department of Knowledge and Information Stewardship

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Abstract

This paper explores, in detail, how library and information service provision to the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) evolved in the context of the historical development of astronomy in South Africa. It is based on empirical research that collected data through the examination of literature, SAAO archival material as well as via semi-structured interviews with a purposefully selected sample of individuals who are experts in the field of astrophysics or astronomy libraries. The study collected information on the role of library and information services in astronomy and documented the historical significance of the library in the context of astronomical research at the SAAO. This paper aims to contribute toward the existing literature covering the history of the SAAO, close the gap in the literature covering the history of its library and information service, as well as to contribute towards the international history of astronomy. The paper suggests a future library and information service that remains closely tied to exciting developments in astronomical research within an electronically connected research landscape.