Ep. 3 The Gatekeepers

Reference Service at Robarts Library in the 1970s and 1980s Host Jesse Carliner explores Robarts Library’s intimidating reputation beyond its brutalist architecture, tracing how the building was intended as a formal, graduate student and faculty focused research facility until undergraduate protests led to full access when it opened in 1973. Through 2021 oral-history interviews, retired librarians Patricia Bellamy and Susan Johnston recall the busy 1970s–80s fourth-floor reference room—imposing service desks, constant phone questions, and pre-digital tools like card catalogs, microfiche, and rotating files—where librarians’ deep knowledge inspired awe but could also feel intimidating or even unwelcoming. Professor David W. Smith describes reliance on exceptionally skilled reference librarians, especially Mary McTavish, remembered as formidable and indispensable. Debbie Green, Eveline Houtman, and Suzanne Tabor discuss a perceived culture of elitism and hostility that gradually shifted toward friendlier, user-centered service.  Index 00:00 Unquiet Library Episode 3: The Gatekeepers 00:29 Marker Introduction 03:05 Marker Patricia Bellamy 10:14 Marker Susan Johnston 14:39 Marker Professor David Smith 18:47 Marker Mary McTavish 19:46 Marker Debbie Green 23:13 Marker Eveline Houtman 28:30 Marker Suzanne Tabur 32:48 Marker Conclusion To learn more about the history of Robarts Library, visit uoft.me/robarts50. Follow us @unquietlibrarypodcast on Instagram, Blue Sky or TikTok for additional content and updates. What is a library catalog? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_catalog What is a bibliography? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BibliographyWho were the United Empire Loyalists? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Empire_LoyalistAbout Rosedale, Toronto: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosedale,_Toronto Theme music:  Felipe Sarro, Bach-Siloti - Prelude BWV 855a Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication Sound credits: OFFICE SELF INKING STAMP ON PAPER 01.wav by sengjinn -- https://freesound.org/s/178650/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 escaleras_mecanicas_interior_-_metro.mp3 by sonsdebarcelona -- https://freesound.org/s/70146/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 3.0   Price Tower Elevator 2 by Filmscore -- https://freesound.org/s/823076/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Walking Up Stairs by qubodup -- https://freesound.org/s/210430/ -- License: Creative Commons 0     British Library sounds 2 08 Br Lib amb 5.wav by ERH -- https://freesound.org/s/51632/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 picht-type-writer2.flac by ondrosik -- https://freesound.org/s/203989/ -- License: Creative Commons 0   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.