Beginnings
The story of our library begins in the 1930s, when naturalist and biologist Wilfred Backhouse (W.B.) Alexander donated his personal collection of ornithological literature to the Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology (EGI) at the University of Oxford.
In 1930 Alexander had become Director of the Oxford Bird Census, the precursor of the EGI, and worked alongside ornithologists Max Nicholson and Bernard Tucker. He saw the Census through several transitions over the following years until it was formally recognised in 1938 by the University of Oxford as the Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology. He became the EGI’s first Director, a position in which he remained until his retirement in 1945.
Alexander’s donation of his personal literature collection formed the core of the Institute’s library, and upon his retirement he took up the role of Librarian, where he remained until 1955. In 1947 the collection was officially named the Alexander Library in his honour – still known today as a world-class ornithological library.
The early days of BTO were bound up with the establishment of the EGI. BTO funded the final stage of the EGI’s development, while Max Nicholson was BTO’s first Secretary and Bernard Tucker the first Treasurer.
Leaving the nest
The Alexander Library originally comprised a reference library and a lending library, both of which could be used by BTO members. However, when the organisation moved to Beech Grove in Tring in 1963 the library was split: the reference library remained in Oxford while the lending library relocated to Tring, forming BTO’s own independent library.
What began as a small collection of books in a new home – mostly duplicate EGI material – swiftly grew into a library in its own right, with books received for review in the Trust’s publications, periodicals received in exchange for BTO journals, and generous bequests and donations from BTO members and staff.
A new home in Norfolk
When BTO moved to Thetford in 1991, the library moved too: it is now housed at The Nunnery, in the old chapel building, and sits alongside the BTO Archives. The dedicated space, open shelves and accessible study area available here have helped to maintain it as one of the best ornithological libraries in the country.
A new name
The Chris Mead Library at the Nunnery was named after Chris in recognition of his huge contribution to both BTO and to ornithology – a fitting tribute to someone who did so much to enlighten people about BTO's work. It was officially opened by his widow, V Mead, on 1st August 2006 in the presence of our Patron at the time, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT. Chris Mead's personal papers are held in the Archives as part of his family's gift in Will donation to BTO.
In memory of Chris Mead (1940-2003)
Chris Mead joined BTO in 1961 and spent most of his career with the Ringing Office, eventually becoming Head of the Ringing Scheme in 1984. He took early retirement in 1995, but maintained a strong association with BTO by continuing to work with us on press and publicity consultancy.
He sat on the Council of the British Ornithologists' Union (BOU) and was active in several local ornithological societies. Chris’ work was recognised in the award of the Union Medal from the BOU in 1996, BTO’s Bernard Tucker Medal in 1997, and the RSPB Medal in 1999. He was renowned for his encyclopaedic knowledge of natural history, and was especially keen to see wildlife knowledge shared by bringing together the efforts of volunteers and professionals.
Today: a vibrant and diverse collection
Today, the Chris Mead Library is an incredible repository of all things birds. Expanding on its academic origins, subjects as diverse as folklore, natural history, children’s books and identification sit alongside specialist scientific journals and a nationally important collection of county and local ornithology. It reflects not only the diversity of birds but also the diversity of interests and engagement within ornithology.
We are committed to sharing the wealth of ornithological information in the library as widely as possible and we are always very happy to welcome visitors to our shelves. Whether you are just starting out and looking for a simple ID guide or are searching for specialist scientific information the Chris Mead Library has something for you – you can browse a selection of books on our Book Review pages, where our in-house experts give their views of recently acquired content.
Showing our appreciation
We extend our gratitude to all those who helped us in developing this wonderful resource. Funding for the development of the new facilities at the BTO's Headquarters in Thetford, and for work to sort and secure archival material, was provided by BTO members and other supporters.
Significant contributions were received from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the European Regional Development Fund, the latter support being made via the Norfolk Museums Heritage Partnership.