Die Bücherstube des Dr. R.M.V. / The Cabinet of Dr. R.M.V.

co-ordinates, Salts Mill, Saltaire, W Yorkshire. A small semi-private, multi-lingual literature/art/science library with a librarian - performed by Rebecca Lowe - and a computerised catalogue. Vollmer selects all books mostly on content following his interests in art, science and literature, occasionally because of some interesting feature of the particular book or edition. Classification and shelving may be by some physical feature, by an event in the books history, by content, by an event in the life of the author or protagonist etc. (examples: embossed, smelling, mit Schwänzchen, spineless, Zeit, suicide, folie, dreams, ...) New classes are created as the library grows and books are often re-classified, latest when a class becomes too large to fit on one shelf. Hence classification is reminiscent of a pre-scientific age: as a magical ritual to ban chaos. It conjures up times when art and science were still embedded in myths. Histories, relations, remnants, memories, colours, smells are interwoven creating a labyrinth in real and conceptual spaces. An extensive range of features for each book are catalogued, possibly useful for research into book manufacture. An internet link allows search for further information on authors. Common to all libraries, those who enter the space are participating in a ritual: Visitors are asked to join upon which they are issued with a membership card and white gloves to wear as a visible sign of membership. Rebecca Lowe on axisweb: http://www.axisweb.org/p/rebeccalowe/