| Library adds new reference works
on horticulture
The American University Library recently acquired new reference works for gardening enthusiasts and those interested in learning more about the plants and trees in the American University arboretum. A three-volume Encyclopedia of Gardens: History and Design presents a comprehensive range of topics and individuals associated with the history of gardens and their design. The scope is international and includes information on designers, plant collectors, architects, and garden styles. An Encyclopedia of Gardening, a publication of the American Horticultural Society, is an excellent introduction to gardening and focuses on garden planning, design, and maintenance. There are chapters on various categories of annual and perennial plants and numerous color photographs. Another title that provides detailed information on specific plants and trees and their application in landscape architecture is The New York Botanical Garden Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horticulture, 10 volumes. The entries include full descriptions, photographs, and Latin names of hundreds of plants and trees. This resource is excellent for identifying the more than 1,700 plants and trees in AU’s arboretum. For example, AU’s flowering Franklinia alatamaha, a tree named after Benjamin Franklin, is described in this work. AU’s Franklinia specimen is located behind McCabe Hall, facing the Rockwood Parkway entrance. Another example of note is the dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) that was discovered in 1941 and often referred to as a living fossil because it was first found as a fossil and described and named before a living example was known to exist. The AU gardens have several of these trees, but the most notable are the three trees found in the area adjacent to the outdoor amphitheater. This column was prepared by James Heintze, librarian, with the assistance of Michael Mastrota, landscape architect.
Music Library now in Katzen
The Music Library, formerly in the Kreeger Building, is now open in its new home at the Katzen Arts Center. Please take this opportunity to visit the Music Library. The Music Library offers listening equipment (including its newest addition, iPods), study space, and a small reference collection. Currently, the Music Library holds over 15,000 scores and 3,300 CDs. The 28,000 LP recordings are available upon request. The Music Library is located behind the rotunda in the academic wing of the Katzen Arts Center, room 150. Please note that some construction projects are being finalized by contractors. For more information, please visit www.library.american.edu/about/music/index.html or call 885-3264. James Heintze, librarian |
