bbc.com
2,206 Items Missing from National Library of Wales
The National Library of Wales has 2,206 missing items, including historical documents, books, and maps, an 84% increase since 2021, prompting the creation of a new "collection care" department.
- What factors contributed to the 84% increase in missing items over the past two years?
- The significant increase in missing items highlights deficiencies in previous inventory management. The diverse range of missing materials, from 13th-century documents to contemporary publications, underscores the breadth of the loss and the potential impact on research and cultural heritage. The new department suggests a proactive response to improve security and record-keeping.
- What are the long-term implications of this significant loss for the preservation of Welsh cultural heritage and research resources?
- The library's new "collection care" department and recruitment of specialized staff indicate a commitment to preventing future losses and enhancing security. However, the scale of the current losses raises concerns about the long-term preservation of irreplaceable historical materials. The success of these measures will be crucial in safeguarding the library's collection.
- What is the extent of the missing items at the National Library of Wales, and what are the immediate implications for its collection and research value?
- The National Library of Wales reports 2,206 missing items, an 84% increase since 2021. This includes historical documents like deeds from Powis Castle and books by prominent authors such as George Bernard Shaw and Virginia Woolf. The library is establishing a new "collection care" department to address this.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the significant increase in missing items and the high-profile nature of some of the missing materials (e.g., items from famous castles, works by well-known authors). This framing could unintentionally create an impression of significant mismanagement, even if the "new stock checking processes" explanation is accurate. The headline could be altered to be more neutral. The article would benefit from a more balanced exploration of the library's efforts to address the issue.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and factual. The description of some items as "high-profile" could be considered slightly subjective, but it doesn't significantly skew the overall tone. There's no evidence of loaded language.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the sheer number of missing items and the notable examples of missing archives, books, and other materials. While it mentions the library's response (creating a new department and recruiting staff), it doesn't delve into potential causes for the loss beyond attributing the increase to "new stock checking processes." Further investigation into the library's security measures, handling procedures, and potential staff shortages might provide a more balanced picture. The lack of information regarding past loss prevention efforts and their effectiveness could be considered an omission.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't present a false dichotomy, but it could benefit from exploring the potential range of reasons for the missing items, rather than solely attributing the increase to improved stock-taking processes.
Gender Bias
The article doesn't show overt gender bias. However, a more in-depth examination of the authors and subjects of the missing books and materials could reveal implicit biases.
Sustainable Development Goals
The loss of historical documents, books, and journals from the National Library of Wales severely impacts access to educational resources and the preservation of cultural heritage. Missing items include works by significant authors (George Bernard Shaw, Virginia Woolf), historical records (deeds from Powis Castle, papers relating to Chirk Castle), and children's songs by J Glyn Davies. The absence of these materials hinders research, education, and the understanding of Welsh history and culture.