DOCSLIB.ORG

Myth and Reality in the Redondo Beach Public Library, 1895-1924

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Myth and Reality in the Redondo Beach Public Library, 1895-1924 San Jose State University SJSU ScholarWorks Master's Theses Master's Theses and Graduate Research Spring 2013 Made Marian: Myth and Reality in the Redondo Beach Public Library, 1895-1924 Lisa Blank San Jose State University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_theses Recommended Citation Blank, Lisa, "Made Marian: Myth and Reality in the Redondo Beach Public Library, 1895-1924" (2013). Master's Theses. 4261. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.pzph-m24n https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_theses/4261 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Master's Theses and Graduate Research at SJSU ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Master's Theses by an authorized administrator of SJSU ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. MADE MARIAN: MYTH AND REALITY IN THE REDONDO BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY, 1895-1924 A Thesis Presented to The Faculty of the School of Library and Information Science San José State University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Library and Information Science by Lisa Blank May 2013 © 2013 Lisa Blank ALL RIGHTS RESERVED The Designated Thesis Committee Approves the Thesis Titled MADE MARIAN: MYTH AND REALITY IN THE REDONDO BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY, 1895-1924 by Lisa Blank APPROVED FOR THE SCHOOL OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE SAN JOSÉ STATE UNIVERSITY May 2013 Dr. Debra Hansen School of Library and Information Science Dr. Judith Weedman School of Library and Information Science Dr. Anthony Bernier School of Library and Information Science ABSTRACT MADE MARIAN: MYTH AND REALITY IN THE REDONDO BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY, 1895-1924 by Lisa Blank Librarians have been depicted in the literature as missionaries, apostles, and crusaders, militant maid Marians spreading the gospel of the library spirit. This thesis examines the historical depiction of the "typical" early librarian by posing two key questions. First, to what extent was the work of librarianship different or unique compared to that of other middle-class female occupations? And second, in what way was the librarian herself distinct from other middle-class women; that is, what defining characteristics or life events brought her to and kept her in librarianship? Utilizing local newspapers, official reports, and census and vital statistics data, this study contrasts the lives of forty-one women who, between 1895 and 1924, worked in or took the six-month library training course at the Redondo Beach Public Library to those of other librarians as well as to the lives of their mothers, sisters, neighbors, fellow church members, and clubwomen. The conclusion reached is that librarianship was similar to other female-dominated work, and that librarians were not special or unique, were not self-sacrificing idealists, or missionary reformers, but simply middle-class women working in a middle-class occupation. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Historical research and writing is a solitary effort which cannot be successfully accomplished without the collaboration of others. My thanks to Anthony Bernier, whose participation in this project contributed greatly to formulating the basic questions of the thesis. To Judy Weedman, who provided exactly what any writer needs, an enthusiastic reader who can point out where the writer is not as clear as they thought they were. And, finally and most importantly, to Debra Hansen. I was lucky to have Debbie as the instructor for my first class at SJSU/SLIS, and she has been my teacher, mentor, guide, editor, and cheerleader throughout my career at the school. It is without doubt that whatever merit this thesis has as a work of historical scholarship is due entirely to her tireless guidance and encouragement. Sanity requires that some outside activities be maintained. But the mind never strays far from the topic. So, to all my horse-back-riding, country-western-dancing, and just-plain-old friends and family, my many thanks for their inquiries on progress, and for allowing me to blather on, and on, about librarians and librarianship at the turn of the twentieth century. Special thanks in this regard must be given to Tori and Steve Thompson, who listened to me blather on and on; Professor Paul and Dr. Ellen Alkon, who not only listened to me blather on, and on, but also fed me delicious homemade teas and lunches; and to Walt and Kathy Ashford, who not only listened to me blather on, and on, and fed me wonderful homemade lunches and dinners, but also took me for carriage v rides and gave me driving lessons. My brain still works due to these many, patient, friends. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction: Marian and Other Librarians 1 Chapter One: Imagining Marian: Melvil Dewey and 26 the Myth of Marian, the Librarian Chapter Two: A Library in our Midst: From Reading Room 44 to Public Library, 1893-1909 Chapter Three: Finding Marian: The "Trained Librarians" of 91 the Redondo Beach Public Library, 1909-1911 Chapter Four: Some Local Girl: Training at Home, 131 Working From Home, 1911-1916 Chapter Five: Made and Not Born: Training Does Not Always 176 a Librarian Make, 1917-1920 Chapter Six: Marian and Other Maids: Librarianship and 207 Women's Work in Redondo Beach, 1920-1924 Chapter Seven: The Sadder but Wiser Girl: 239 Charles C. Williamson Reimagines Marian Conclusion: Made Marian 272 Bibliography 277 vi Introduction Marian and Other Librarians Meredith Wilson set his story of Marian, that quintessential American librarian, in the small midwestern town of River City, Iowa, a stand-in for Wilson's own hometown of Mason City, Iowa, circa 1912. White, middle-class, educated, working at the library, and giving piano lessons to support her widowed mother and younger brother, Marian lives happily ever after when she at last finds her "someone," leaving the library to fulfill the American (woman's) dream of marriage and family. This description so informs the American psyche that one has merely to say the name to invoke the archetype. The very first libraries fulfilled what were and still are considered the main functions of libraries ever since. First as repositories of information for laws and decrees, situation reports, statistics on rents owed and tithes received, libraries carefully stored and consistently organized information so that it could be reliably identified and retrieved when needed. Second, libraries served as guardians of public standards of culture and morals, where priests with specialized knowledge could place in the hands of the needy soul the correct book to meet the spiritual quest, the very earliest form of reader's advisory for moral uplift and improvement. As books moved into the secular world, they remained objects for the rich, those with the money to purchase and the houseroom to store such items. Libraries outside of church, school, or the wealthy home were initially confined to the use of those prosperous enough to at least purchase membership in the private clubs and societies that owned them. All this changed with the Industrial 1 Revolution, which brought about not only a radical transformation of the economy, but an accompanying change in the society as well. The Industrial Revolution altered the concept of "manufacture" from the creation of goods in small, family-centered workshops to the mass production of goods in large factories using production-line techniques. Immigrants who lacked the economic means to purchase land and become farmers and emigrants, single men and women who previously had been a drain on the family income, flocked to the industrial centers that offered this new kind of independent job. Factories required concentrated pools of cheap labor, workers who could understand and communicate effectively and efficiently with one another regardless of social or geographic origin. In addition, the success of this new business model relied on an army of literate managers and clerks to oversee the workers and track the orders, purchases, and expenditures. Neither the moneyed manufacturing magnate nor the factory-floor worker, this new middle class consisted of professionals, bankers, merchants, lawyers, and doctors. These professionals were supported by an army of office workers: secretaries, receptionists, file clerks, typists, stenographers, and bookkeepers. Lumped under the title "clerical workers," they occupied a slightly lower rung on the social ladder. In 1876, the year of the centennial of the nation's birth and the founding of the American Library Association, the Bureau of Education of the Department of the Interior published a comprehensive report on the history and status of the library in the United 2 States. 1 The report counted 3682 libraries in the United States, of which only about one- tenth, or 395, were considered "public libraries," that is, libraries that were tax-supported and open to all at no cost. Of these public libraries, fully two-thirds, or 282, were located in the northeast, 164 in Massachusetts alone. 2 It is no small wonder, then, that library scholars such as Amherst's librarian William I. Fletcher, writing in 1894, would present "library history" as the history of libraries in New England or those states "which were socially descended" from New England. 3 Fletcher's libraries were almost entirely confined to the places of the social and political elite, the private libraries of wealthy men, the universities they attended, and the private clubs they founded and financed. These were non-public institutions open only to those with the right connections socially, economically, and even politically to make use of them. Libraries did not so much provide information as store and protect it, doling it out in small portions often a single volume at a time to the privileged few. Librarians during this period were the men in black, the bookmen-scholars. They acted as custodians and gatekeepers, amassing volumes and organizing collections largely for themselves and incidentally for the use of others and then only under carefully controlled conditions that would prevent damage or loss to the books.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Information to Users
    INFORMATION TO USERS This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMI films the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter face, while others may be from any type of computer printer. The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy sutwnitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higher quality 6" x 9" black and white photographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UMI directly to order. ProQuest Information and Learning 300 North Zeeb Road. Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 USA 800-521-0600 UMI ‘‘Sustainable Tourism for Smali Towns in the Maritimes’ A thesis submitted by Shaimna Mowatt-Densmore in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Atlantic Canada Studies at Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. April 2001 Approved by: r. James H. Morrisdn -supervisor) Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Echoes from Mount Ecclesia V3 N1 May 1915
    Formerly “Echoes from Mt. Ecclesia,” and entered under that name as second class matter Nov. 3rd, 1913 at the Post Office of Oceanside, California, under the Act of August 24th, 1912. Subscription: $1.00 per year; single copies 10¢ in the U.S.; Canada $1.25 per year and England $1.50 per year post free. Vol. 3 Oceanside May 1915 California No 1 The Mystic Light * * * * * * “But One Thing is Needful” to take earnestly and prayerfully to heart. The Magnetic Needle is made of a metal LUKE 10:42 which has an inherent affinity for the lode- A TALK IN THE PRO-ECCLESIA stone, namely, steel. Other metals are but by indifferently affected, if at all, but when Mr. Heindel steel has once been touched with the lode- stone, its whole nature is changed, it has This evening we will take the Magnetic become alive, as it were, imbued with a Needle as our subject of meditation, for it new force which we might describe as a has a lesson of supreme importance in our constant yearning after the lodestone which spiritual career, a lesson which it behooves once kissed it. Needles made of other met- every faithful follower of the Mystic Light als, and un-magnetized steel, may be put 2 RAYS FROM THE ROSE CROSS upon a pivot and they will stand in any bal- were in a certain position, but during every anced position wherever they are placed, moment since we have been here they have they are passive to whatever force is applied changed and they are now changing with to them from without.
    [Show full text]
  • Junior Astrology Course
    Junior Astrology Course Lessons 20 - 26 The Rosicrucian Fellowship MOUNT ECCLESIA OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA, USA COPYRIGHT 2001 BY THE ROSICRUCIAN FELLOWSHIP All rights, including that of translation, reserved. For permission to copy or translate, application should be made to the publisher. THE ROSICRUCIAN FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 2222 MISSION AVENUE PO BOX 713 OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA, 92049-0713, USA Telephone: (760) 757-6600 Fax: (760) 721-3806 [email protected] http://www.rosicrucianfellowship.org Compiled at Mount Ecclesia October 2001 Table of Contents Introduction............................................................3 LESSON 20...........................................................4 LESSON 21.........................................................11 LESSON 22.........................................................16 LESSON 23.........................................................24 LESSON 24.........................................................27 LESSON 25.........................................................30 LESSON 26.........................................................33 Review and Test to continue lessons...................36 Answers to Lessons ............................................37 Junior Astrology Course, lessons 20 - 26 3 Dear Friend, We are happy to have your request for our Astrology course. Our three courses in Astrology are based on the Teachings as given to humanity by the Brothers of the Rosicrucian Order through The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception and the personal
    [Show full text]
  • The Atlantic Hurricane Database Re-Analysis Project
    Columbia University Press, 2004 178 HISTORIC VARIABILITY 7 The Atlantic Hurricane Database Re-analysis Project: Documentation for 1851-1910 Alterations and Additions to the HURDAT Database Christopher W. Landsea, Craig Anderson, Noel Charles, Gilbert Clark, Jason Dunion, Jose Fernandez-Partagas, Paul Hungerford, Charlie Neumann, Mark Zimmer A re-analysis of the Atlantic basin tropical storm and hurricane database (“best track”) for the period of 1851 to 1910 has been completed. This reworking and extension back in time of the main archive for tropical cyclones of the North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico was necessary to correct systematic and random errors and biases in the data as well as to incorporate the recent historical analyses by Partagas and Diaz. The re-analysis project provides the revised tropical storm and hurricane database, a metadata file detailing individual changes for each tropical cyclone, a “center fix” file of raw tropical cyclone observations, a collection of U.S. landfalling tropical storms and hurricanes, and comments from/replies to the National Hurricane Center’s Best Track Change Committee. This chapter details the methodologies and references utilized for this re-analysis of the Atlantic tropical cyclone record. This chapter provides documentation of the first efforts to re-analyze the National Hurricane Center's (NHC's) North Atlantic hurricane database (or HURDAT, also called “best tracks” since they are the “best” determination of track and intensity in a post-season analysis of the tropical cyclones). The original database of six-hourly tropical cyclone (i.e. tropical storms and hurricanes) positions and intensities was assembled in the 1960s in support of the Apollo space program to help provide statistical tropical cyclone track forecasting guidance (Jarvinen et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Mar-Apr (1093 MB
    OMNILORE NEWS March 2012 1 Volume 21 Issue 2 www.omnilore.org March 2012 OLLI AT CSUDH “Libraries of the Future” at the Spring Forum OMNILORE by Carol Kerster mniloreans are fortunate! We have heard a OMNILORE NEWS is a publication of variety of experts entertain, enlighten, and/or OMNILORE, a Learning-in-Retirement educate us at our quarterly Forum meetings. Organization, a program of the Osher Life- O While most of our speakers have followed a direct long Learning Institute at the California State University Dominguez Hills course from their education and experience to their current occupations, this is not the case for the BOARD OF DIRECTORS speaker at our next Forum on April 30: Katherine R. Gould, director of the Palos Verdes Library District, Elected Officers whose eclectic background enhances her qualifica- President Bill Gargaro tions to share her ideas about how our traditionally paper-based library systems are transitioning into VP - Academics Jade Suzanne Neely Katherine Gould VP - Administration Howard Korman the digital world. Treasurer Jim Slattery Armed with a magna cum laude B.A. from Brandon University in Manitoba, Recording Secretary RosaLee Saikley Canada, and an M.S. in Library and Information Management from USC, Past President Ruth Hart Ms. Gould has traveled huge distances, both professionally and geograph- Member-at-Large Don Johnson ically. She started out as a reference librarian in Pasadena, then in 1989 Member-at-Large Mary Louise Mavian moved to Queensland, Australia, to lead a multi-disciplinary team on a $20 million project to redesign and implement business processes, the first of Member-at-Large Jill McKenzie three positions she held on that continent.
    [Show full text]
  • Echoes Mount Ecclesia
    Comes?” These three works will make a very Echoes important addition to the Rosicrucian literature. FROM While we are speaking of new publications, it may be well to mention that Mr. Richard Mount Ecclesia Gordon Hallett of Brussels, Belgium, has trans- lated “Simplified Scientific Astrology” in February 10th, 1914 French; members in Europe can obtain it by Oceanside No. 9 California applying direct to Mr. Hallett, Rue D’Eve, Mont St. Amand, Ghent, Belgium; American mem- Flora M. Kyle, Editor bers will apply to Headquarters at Oceanside, Published by the Rosicrucian Fellowship Cal., where they are also in stock. Entered as Second Class matter in the Post Office at Oceanside. In the Ancient Mystery Temple, religion, art, and science were taught as a whole, before they The builder’s hammers are still echoing from entered upon their present separated phase of Mt. Ecclesia. They are now erecting a cottage expression and seeming antagonism. This sep- for the family of Dr. W. T. Partridge of New aration was necessary in order that each might York, who will shortly make their home with us, develop to the greatest possible fullness. This and we hope the doctor joins them at not a far object has now been accomplished to a consid- distant date. But a blessed change has been erable extent. And it is the mission of the made. Mr. Dean Rockwell was elected a mem- Rosicrucian Fellowship to again blend them and ber of the Board of Trustees, and has been given make them an integral whole, expressive of the charge of all outside work, so Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • Echoes from Mount Ecclesia N7 Dec 1913
    less they are altogether deaf. On the 27th of November it was just two years since Headquarters were es­ tablished on Mt. Ecclesia. And for a long time we were undecided how we might most fittingly celebrate the An­ J c l | 0 £ 0 niversary. First we thought of a flag raising, and then it occurred to us that FROM it would be a good idea to send out a letter to the students asking each to (M m x n t contribute not more than five cents to defray the cost of making an emblem December 10th, 1913 flag, so that everyone would have a Oceanside, No. 7. California. part in that svrnbol of our faith. We felt that all the students would have Flora M. Kyle, Editor. appreciated this privilege, but in the Published by the Rosicrucian Fellowship. Entered as Second Class matter in the Post last moment the scheme was abandon­ Office at Oceanside. ed as being in direct violation of the As you will remember we stated in injunction of the Elder Brothers to the first number of the “ Echoes” our Mr. Heindel, “ Never to ask for money reason for thus naming; the little sh-'et. for anv purpose whatsoever.” And. al­ Namely: that as builders of the phy­ though the amount was so insignific­ sical temple we are working in the ant, we felt it might be the entering midst of the sound of carpenter’s ham­ wedge, and once the precedent had mers, the noise of engines, of printing h^en established there is no telling presses and with other mechanical where we might end.
    [Show full text]
  • Heindel-Steiner Connection
    Heindel-Steiner Connection Written by one Student of the Western Wisdom Teachings Compiled from several sources Western Wisdom Teachings The Rosicrucian Cosmo -Conception or Mystic Christianity is a Rosicrucian text, written by Max Heindel The first edition was printed in November 1909, it has little changed since then and it is considered to be Max Heindel's magnum opus. It is a reference work in the Christian mysticism practice and in the Occult study literature, containing the fundamentals of Esoteric Christianity from a Rosicrucian perspective. The Cosmo contains a comprehensive outline of the evolutionary process of man and the universe, correlating science with religion. It is, till current days, the basic book for the Philosophy courses of the school, The Rosicrucian Fellowship , founded by the author in 1909/11. The first edition of this work, containing more than 700 pages of indepth teachings into the major themes of the occult science, was dedicated to a knowledgeable lecturer of the occult field called Rudolf Steiner, to whom Max Heindel felt greatly indebted. It had the subtitle "Occult Science" instead of "Mystic Christianity" and just above the message and mission ("A Sane Mind, a Soft Heart and a Sound Body", "Service") there was a quotation from Paul of Tarsus: "PROVE ALL THINGS". In the subsequent edition, Heindel removed the initial dedicatory and changed the mentioned elements. The first dedicatory become a controversial issue among some students of both teachers, till current days. However, as both authors, Heindel and Steiner, appear to have been influenced by the same Elder Brother of the Rose Cross, to some extent and at some stage of their lives, it becomes an accessory issue that may only be unveiled through the discernment of the student along her/his path of spiritual unfoldment.
    [Show full text]
  • This Week in New Brunswick History
    This Week in New Brunswick History In Fredericton, Lieutenant-Governor Sir Howard Douglas officially opens Kings January 1, 1829 College (University of New Brunswick), and the Old Arts building (Sir Howard Douglas Hall) – Canada’s oldest university building. The first Baptist seminary in New Brunswick is opened on York Street in January 1, 1836 Fredericton, with the Rev. Frederick W. Miles appointed Principal. Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) becomes responsible for all lines formerly January 1, 1912 operated by the Dominion Atlantic Railway (DAR) - according to a 999 year lease arrangement. January 1, 1952 The town of Dieppe is incorporated. January 1, 1958 The city of Campbellton and town of Shippagan become incorporated January 1, 1966 The city of Bathurst and town of Tracadie become incorporated. Louis B. Mayer, one of the founders of MGM Studios (Hollywood, California), January 2, 1904 leaves his family home in Saint John, destined for Boston (Massachusetts). New Brunswick is officially divided into eight counties of Saint John, Westmorland, Charlotte, Northumberland, King’s, Queen’s, York and Sunbury. January 3, 1786 Within each county a Shire Town is designated, and civil parishes are also established. The first meeting of the New Brunswick Legislature is held at the Mallard House January 3, 1786 on King Street in Saint John. The historic opening marks the official business of developing the new province of New Brunswick. Lévite Thériault is elected to the House of Assembly representing Victoria January 3, 1868 County. In 1871 he is appointed a Minister without Portfolio in the administration of the Honourable George L. Hatheway.
    [Show full text]
  • 159 13 STRUGGLE for POWER Even Before He Established The
    13 STRUGGLE FOR POWER Even before he established the Rosicrucian Fellowship headquarters, Max Heindel had intended to erect a sanitarium or school of healing. By August 6, 1913 , his plan materialized on a small scale with three cottages built for this express purpose, each with two rooms. Very soon, however, these rooms had to be used for members who remained at Mount Ec- clesia. This situation continued until April 1929 when the Board of Trus- tees, of which Mrs Heindel was president, appointed a committee to in- vestigate the possibility of building a sanitarium. 89. Cornerstone for the Sanitarium. 90. Situation of the Sanitarium The May 1929 magazine reported that architect Lester A. Cramer had drawn plans for a sanitarium. These plans specified a central administra- tive section for an office, a reception room, four treatment rooms, a kitchen, and a dining room, with nurses’ quarters above. On either side of the central portion there were patients’ quarters, eight private rooms and four wards, each with a capacity for four beds. The wards were sur- rounded on three sides by a terrace. The plan covered the first phase and provided for a total of twenty-four patients. This initial structure was ar- ranged so that other units could be added when needed. The sanitarium would operate primarily along natural lines, with special attention to physiotherapy, to include hydrotherapy, light-therapy, and massage. Osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation and sunbaths would be included, all based upon the Rosicrucian method of healing. An insti- tution of this type would require much less capital outlay than would a hospital with a high-priced medical and surgical staff.
    [Show full text]
  • Rancho San Pedro Reference Collection, 1902-2004
    http://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt3s20214f No online items RANCHO SAN PEDRO REFERENCE COLLECTION, 1902-2004 Finding aid prepared by Jennifer Allan Goldman California State University, Dominguez Hills Archives & Special Collections University Library, Room G-145 1000 E. Victoria Street Carson, California 90747 Phone: (310) 243-3895 URL: http://archives.csudh.edu/ ©2006 RANCHO SAN PEDRO REFERENCE Consult repository. 1 COLLECTION, 1902-2004 Descriptive Summary Title: Rancho San Pedro Reference Collection Dates: 1905-2004 Collection Number: Consult repository. Collector: California State University, Dominguez Hills Extent: 2 boxes(1 linear foot) Repository: California State University, Dominguez Hills Archives and Special Collections Archives & Special Collection University Library, Room G-145 1000 E. Victoria Street Carson, California 90747 Phone: (310) 243-3013 URL: http://archives.csudh.edu/ Abstract: This collection includes correspondence, brochures, newsclippings, papers, and copies of historical documents related to the Rancho San Pedro. Subjects include the Dominguez Adobe and Claretian Seminary, families descended from the Dominguez sisters, companies owned by these descendants, and the history of the Rancho San Pedro. Language: Collection material is in English Access There are no access restrictions on this collection. Publication Rights All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Archives and Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical materials and not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained. Preferred Citation [Title of item], Rancho San Pedro Reference Collection, Courtesy of the Department of Archives and Special Collections.
    [Show full text]
  • Examining the Effect of Visualization Tool Exposure on Local-Level Stakeholder Perceptions on Climate Change Adaptation
    Examining the Effect of Visualization Tool Exposure on Local-level Stakeholder Perceptions on Climate Change Adaptation by Maliha Majeed A thesis presented to the University of Waterloo in fulfillment of the thesis requirement for the degree of Master of Environmental Studies in Geography Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, 2015 © Maliha Majeed 2015 AUTHOR’S DECLARATION I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this thesis. This is a true copy of the thesis, including any required final revisions, as accepted by my examiners. I understand that my thesis may be made electronically available to the public. ii ABSTRACT Vulnerabilities of human communities, driven by environmental, social, economic, and political dynamics, vary across geographical and social regions. Coastal communities are considered to be among those greatest at risk from climate impacts. To cope with these impacts, communities must assess existing vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities, and begin to adapt. Currently, community-based research often focuses on identifying vulnerabilities and possible adaptations, but rarely examines how local-level stakeholders perceive adaptation-based needs and potential action. This research study focuses on Lennox Island, in Prince Edward Island and the Town of Lockeport, in Nova Scotia to examine how two innovative visualization tools, CLIVE and AdaptNS, influence stakeholder perceptions on climate change adaptation. This study explores whether tool exposure changes perceptions of awareness and priorities for potential action among local-level decision-makers and stakeholders. It further explores which aspects of the visualization tools resonate among local-level decision-makers. This research builds on existing vulnerability assessment information established through the Partnership for Canada-Caribbean Community Climate Change Adaptation (ParCA) research project and uses a methodological approach involving semi-structured interviews and community-based workshops with local-level decision-makers and community stakeholders, respectively.
    [Show full text]