LMMI Conference launches KindredSpaces: an online discovery tool for L.M. Montgomery research collections
The L.M. Montgomery Institute (LMMI) at UPEI has launched an exciting tool for scholars researching the life and legacy of Lucy Maud Montgomery. The collection of Montgomery-related materials at UPEI has grown steadily over the past 10-15 years, thanks to the generosity of many donors, including Dr. Donna Jane Campbell, the Heirs of LM Montgomery, and the Friends of the LMMI. Major components of that collection will become accessible to all at KindredSpaces.
KindredSpaces was launched at the LMMI Biennial International Conference at UPEI. The first research material to be featured is the Ryrie-Campbell Collection, donated to the LMMI and UPEI’s Robertson Library by Dr. Donna Jane Campbell.
“The launch of KindredSpaces marks a significant resource for Montgomery students, scholars and enthusiasts across the world, building an online repository of Montgomery materials and artefacts,” said Dr. Philip Smith, chair of the L.M. Montgomery Institute committee. “Digitization of the Ryrie-Campbell collection of periodicals, featuring Montgomery poems and short stories, and an online catalogue—complemented by cover art—of Ryrie-Campbell's large selection of rare and interesting books by and about Montgomery, is an exceptional beginning for KindredSpaces. We very much appreciate Dr. Donna Campbell's generosity in sharing her collection and enabling this project.”
The Ryrie-Campbell Collection has three main components:
- Periodicals—more than 400 short stories, poems, and articles published by L.M. Montgomery in a wide range of North American, British, and Australian periodicals in the late 1800s and early 1900s
- Books—rare early and international editions of Montgomery’s books and reference works in which she is discussed
- Special Items—artefacts and printed memorabilia documenting various aspects of Montgomery’s life and career (Coming to KindredSpaces Fall-Winter 2016)
“All the Ryrie-Campbel Collection items were inventoried with reference numbers, but it was difficult for prospective researchers to access and search without a finding guide,” said Dr. Donna Jane Campbell, LMMI research associate and benefactor. “So in 2013, I discussed with Simon Lloyd [special collections librarian at UPEI’s Robertson Library] the possibility of creating a catalogue of items with an on-line discovery tool. Simon dubbed this project KindredSpaces and set to work with the establishment of a professional librarian position, filled by Lindsey MacCallum, who catalogued the entire collection of books with bibliographic records and then turned her attention to the periodicals and to the development of a website to host the collection with the digitization of selected materials. The overall goal of KindredSpaces is to improve the visibility and usability of the Ryrie-Campbell Collection and thus offer increased opportunity for the study of L.M. Montgomery. Also, it is important to note that KindredSpaces is an ongoing project with plans for future additions of significant Montgomery materials.”
The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.
