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Hocken Collections FAQsOn this page
Welcome to the Hocken Collections - one of New Zealand’s foremost historical research institutions.It was established in 1910 when Dr Hocken gave his private collection to the University of Otago in trust for the people of New Zealand. The Hocken collects widely in relation to the history and culture of New Zealand, the Pacific and Antarctica, with a special emphasis on the regions of Otago and Southland. The research collections include archives, manuscripts, books, pamphlets, newspapers, maps, periodicals, paintings, drawings, photographs, music, and film. Listed below are some of the most commonly asked questions we receive from our readers. Who was Dr Hocken?Thomas Morland Hocken (1836-1910) practised medicine in Dunedin from 1862 and became, along with Sir George Grey and later Alexander Turnbull, one of the three pre-eminent nineteenth century collectors of books, manuscripts and pictures relating to New Zealand and the Pacific. He also compiled the first major bibliography of New Zealand literature and was an early historian of European discovery and settlement of New Zealand. Can I use the Collections?Under the Library’s Deed of Trust any responsible person, including ordinary members of the public, may consult the Collections provided that they register with appropriate identification as a reader and agree to follow the Hocken’s rules. All University staff and students are automatically registered for use of the publications collections – books, periodicals and newspapers. Additional registration is required to use archives and manuscripts. Why can I not bring my bag or water bottle into the reading room or reference area?The Hocken Collections have many irreplaceable heritage items that require a high level of protection. Most similar collections within New Zealand and overseas prohibit bags in their reference and reading rooms as an accepted measure against accidental removal and possible theft. The same rule applies to water and drink-bottles, as water damage to material can be irreversible. Filtered water, and tea and coffee, are available in the lunch room. Where are all the books?For economy of storage and secure preservation most collections are housed on high density mobile shelving in separate climatic controlled closed stacks. These stacks are located adjacent to the main reference area immediately behind the reference desk, and stretch the length of the building. Why can I not go to the bookshelves or borrow books from the Collection?The Hocken is constituted as a closed stack research collection which, to minimise misplacement and loss, does not allow direct access to the shelves. Lending is also specifically prohibited under the Hocken's Deed of Trust. This does have advantages: books are much less likely to be damaged; and they are always available if not in actual use. Why must I sign the Readers' Register every day?The Readers' Register provides a record of the number of people who use the Collections, and of their research areas. This information is essential for future planning. Why are the opening hours not as long as other University branch libraries?To ensure a high standard of service and to maintain security, trained permanent staff are always on duty during opening hours to assist users. Though the present level of staffing does not allow longer hours, the Collections are open on Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings for users not able to visit during normal weekday hours. Why can I not do my own photocopying? Why does it cost so much? Why do I have to wait?• Experience here and elsewhere has shown that photocopying by users can be very damaging. As all items in the Hocken Collections, regardless of age, are part of New Zealand’s present and future documentary heritage, it is for preservation reasons that all photocopying is done by trained staff, who often make use of special digital overhead copiers to preserve bindings and produce better copies. • The cost of photocopying at the Hocken at 20c an A4 page is exactly the same as elsewhere in the University Library for copying done by staff. • Photocopying at the Hocken Collections is carried out by Copy Shop staff each morning to ensure a high standard. Where possible, however, Hocken Collections reference staff will complete urgent orders of no more than five pages on demand. Why can I not use my pen in the Special Reading Room?The use of pens can considerably damage library material through indentation and accidental marking. Accidental markings by soft pencil can at least be erased. For this reason the reading area is divided into two: the Special Reading Room, in which soft 2B grade pencils must be used, is specifically for the use of archives, manuscripts, maps, special collections and items published before 1915; and the General Reading Room, where pens may be used with modern print collections. During busy periods when space in the General Reading Room is short, modern print items may be consulted in the Special Reading Room, where, however, soft pencils must always be used. These precautions are universal practice with similar research collections. Is the Hocken able to provide better parking?During the semesters parking can be difficult. Street parking is controlled by the Dunedin City Council, which has made available at the University’s request six to seven 60-minute parks immediately outside the building. There are also two visitors’ parks at the rear of the building which can used on checking with the Hocken Collections office. It is planned to negotiate additional short-term parking with the Dunedin City Council. We hope this answers some of your questions regarding the Hocken Collections. If there are any other concerns please do not hesitate to ask. S.R. Strachan |