The 7th CLA Meeting (Carmelite Librarian's Association)

The beginning of this year was an exciting time for me. I have been approached by Fr Sandro (the provincial of the Carmelites here in Malta) asking me whether I could help him with the setting up of a new library in Mdina. When something new and challenging is in view, I normally accept such an invitation.


The First Meeting
When Fr Sandro and I met for our first meeting, I asked him what he had in mind. His only words were "I would like to have a library for our students who will be reading for their MA in Spirituality". These were the only words Fr Sandro said. For the rest of the 2hr meeting, I gave an overview of what those words meant.

As those involved in the library scenario know, a "library is a living organism" - as stated by Ranganathan. This is true in all aspects even for the librarian him/herself. This means that both the methods and the librarian need to develop to better serve the user and the professional service is always delivered.


At Mdina
In the meetings that followed, Fr Sandro and I met where I was introduced to the various manuscripts and other volumes of works residing at Mdina. Needless to say...it was a daunting task. However, I sought to start the work. With the help of Fr Sandro, we managed to identify the first round of books that had 'content value' for the Carmelite Order. This resulted in selecting 311 manuscripts and books dating from the 16th century (1540) to the 18th century.
Subsequently, fumigation was needed on these works.
There is a lot of other work to be carried out to start the library and great care is needed to do the right things the first time round.


The CLA Meeting in Malta 3-5 July
It was a great conference here in Malta. From the first day, the members engaged in deep and at times, long discussions on various matters. This is important in any Association.
However, it was not only 'work', but there was also time to culture ourselves by visiting the following places:

(i) the National Library;
(ii) the Mdina Cathedral and its Museum;
(iii) St John's Co-Cathedral and its Museum;
(iv) various Carmelite churches (Mdina, Valletta, Sliema and the Retreat house of Lunzjata).

The Carmelite's patrimony is big in every sense. Consequently, this brings big responsibility on the CLA to carefully make the necessary adjustments to its structure (IT) in all the provinces around the world so that as much as possible, this wealth of resources will be available not only to the students studying at their institutes - including here in Malta - but also to the believer who wants to furhter both his/her knowledge and faith.