Apologies for cross postings. Please reply to Paul Gentry, not me.
Please read page 3 of RSS News, once you have got past the grave matters
on pages 1 and 2. As a member of the working party in question, can I urge
you to reply to Paul Gentry about the questions raised in
his article entitled 'Books etc'. If you would like further information,
please ask Paul to email or post you a copy of my report to council.
This points out that one of the original aims of the RSS' ancestor, the
Statistical Society of London, was to establish and maintain a library. As
a result we have many nineteenth and early twentieth century books and
some eighteenth century books containing 'facts bearing on the condition
of society'.
The need for change arises from the Executive Committee's review of RSS
library facilities and its decision to end the contract with UCL, on the
grounds that most people can find modern statistical books much closer to
home.
As well as the question of what to do with our historical books, the
working party also identified the question of more expensive modern
reference books, such as the 'Encyclopaedia of biostatistics', which
people might find less readily available to them than more modestly priced
books. Has the RSS a role in making these available? Please read Paul's
article and reply to him, not me.
Alison Macfarlane
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Alison Macfarlane Tel (44) (0) 1865 224129 (direct)
Medical statistician 224876 (unit)
National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit Fax (44) (0) 1865 726360
Radcliffe Infirmary
Oxford OX2 6HE
England Email [log in to unmask]
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