Once upon a time, the content of a library centered on books, and the content of the books depended on words! And so in the geography of a library — long ago and far away in another time but in this same place (UP, the Bluff) — the library study carrels stood clustered in obeisance around the Dictionary Stand. For, to wax eloquent, upon the throne of the Stand rested the Monarch and Referee of all student study.
Here is that rickety prop:
The bookstand’s articulating wings adjust to provide full spine support (like with a baby). The “Columbia Dictionary Stand” is made of oak and cast iron, circa 1890s, and is an antique used during the antique period of our own history as Columbia University (1901-1935). Found first in the library of West (now Waldschmidt) Hall; and later moved with the library to the basement of Christie Hall in the 1930s.
Because dictionaries are in phones now, this Dictionary Stand is now on permanent display in the University Museum.
The Clark Library Research Desk fields student questions throughout the day and also includes a 24/7 chat service. With over 4,000 questions per year receiving that human touch and attention.