Useful libraries and bookshops in London

I have created a google map, showing some useful libraries and bookshops in London for Photography and Film.  As well as the four University of Westminster libraries, it shows the National Art Library and the British Film Institute Library and others, while shops include Cinephilia and The Photographers' Gallery bookshop.  If you have any other suggestions or would like to comment on any of the places listed, please get in touch.


View Useful London Libraries & Bookshops - Photography and Film in a larger map

Google Reader - for academics

RSS readers such as Google Reader are great for keeping up to date with blogs and news sites,  but did you know:

1. Most academic journals have feeds for new issues.

2. Many journal databases allow you to create a feed for new content matching a defined search (e.g. keywords, author, citation - keep updated on who is citing you).

3. You can share posts you like with colleagues or students (and the world), with one click.  See my shared items for example.

4. Once you start using RSS, it is addictive!

View the first post of this blog for a quick overview of RSS and Google Reader or ask your librarian for more information.

Why I don't like the movies

This spoof "Academy Award Winning Movie Trailer" is currently the most starred item on Google Reader (according to a recent Google Reader Blog post).  It also has over 1.5 million views on YouTube. 

It is a very good survey of Movie Cliche Hell...



TIME magazine helpfully highlight some specfic inspirations for the spoof in an article written about the trailer.

LIFE available on Google Books

I often use Google Books to preview books that I am interested in, such as David Campany's Photography and cinema below.

However, there is also a lot of material available in full.  For example, I recently found copies of Life magazine ("the treasured photographic magazine that chronicled the 20th Century") from 1953-72 [UPDATE - NOW AVAILABLE FROM 1936].

Available here: http://books.google.co.uk/books/serial/ISSN:00243019


 

Update

Issues of LIFE are now available from November 1936

The New York Times film reviews, 1913-1968

"For bones are being crushed with cold abandon, teeth are being callously kicked in and shocks are being blandly detonated at close and regular intervals on the Paramount screen.  Also an air of deepening mystery overhangs this tempestuous tale which shall render it none the less intriguing to those lovers of the brutal and bizarre."

So runs Bosley Crowthers review of 'The Blue Dahlia' in volume two of The New York Times film reviews, 1913-1968 available on the main shelves of the library at 791.4375 NEW (p. 2115).  I'm sure there are a few hours entertainment in these six volumes for the avid film buff.

For all reviews after 1960 and selected reviews prior to that (not for 'The Blue Dahlia' though - you'll have to come into the library for that) register for free online at: http://movies.nytimes.com/ref/movies/reviews/index.html