June 1, 1956 Longwood Library – July 27, 1981 Eleutherian Mills Historical Library
After receiving an MLS from Rutgers University, on June 1, 1956, Evald Rink began his 25-year cataloging and bibliographic career at Longwood Library.
When Longwood’s printed collections became too voluminous, and storage space was lacking, the decision was made to build a new library in Wilmington, Delaware, on the site of the newly formed Hagley Museum. In 1961 that ‘new library’ was built and Longwood Library materials were transferred to Hagley under the ever watchful eye of Mr. Evald Rink.
Acquisitions and Manuscripts work area, Hagley Library, 1969
From left to right: Hildegard Rink, Fran Myers, Grace Ottey, Betsy Parrett, Evald Rink, and Ann Aydelotte
With the creation of Eleutherian Mills Historical Library, essentially from the Longwood collections, Mr. Rink was named head of the Imprints Department. He began the daunting task of formulating and describing a world-class archive of printed material. The importance of describing collections and making them available to researchers and scholars alike was tantamount in implementing new Library of Congress cataloging rules. Evald set in motion an academic paradise for scholars; one where they would have the opportunity to research and handle rare, one-of-a-kind, printed material.
Ever mindful of his colleague’s intellect, in a 1962 memo to Dr. Richmond D. Williams, Hagley’s then Director of the Library, Evald insisted library staff be able to participate in determining and implementing the processing procedures for cataloging the library’s expanding trade catalog collection. Realizing the collection’s extreme uniqueness, he was determined to have these rare items described and stored in the most thorough and thoughtful manner.
Library Cataloging Department, Hagley Library, 1973
From left to right: Roxanne Johnson, Hildegard Rink, Sue McGinnes, Diane Francis, Evald Rink
Hildegard Rink, Evald’s wife and Historical Librarian who had also worked at Longwood, joined the library staff to begin this monumental task. The trade catalogs, in most cases, are delicate 19th century advertising literature items. If the Library of Congress classification system were followed for this particular material, they would then be housed throughout numerous subject areas in the stacks. It was thought that the formation of a separate collection, one which would not place them among bound volumes and monographs, would be helpful for conservation reasons. In July of ’62 Rink reported that “unification of the Hagley collection is 70% complete. Including the retyping of below standard catalog cards and plating all books with the new Eleutherian Mills Historical Library bookplate.” In a memo regarding staff salary increases Rink humbly explains “it is difficult for me to express myself concerning Mrs. H. Rink. It would, however, be unfair to her not to call to your attention her competency, reliability, and diligence with which she discharges her duties, including tasks that in many libraries are performed by professional staff members. An increase in her compensation would be recognition of her good services.” Evald was speaking of Hildegard – his beloved wife.
By 1964 strict filing rules were adopted for use in the card catalog of the Eleutherian Mills Historical Library. Evald’s efforts were recognized and in 1967 the designation Library Bibliographer was added to his title. Interacting with his peers of professional organizations, such as the American Historical Association, American Library Association, Bibliographical Society of America, Association of College and Research Libraries, and numerous other local groups, demonstrated his commitment to a high level of standards.
Dr. Carol Hoffecker signing copies of her book in the staff lounch at Eleutherian Mills Historical Library (later Hagley Library). Also present are James Wilson (sitting) and Evald Rink.
Evald prepared many exhibits at the library and wrote articles that were published in library journals and magazines as well as Printing in Delaware, 1761-1800 published by Eleutherian Mills Historical Library in 1969. The decisive Technical Americana: a checklist of technical publications printed before 1831 was published by Kraus International Publications in 1981. It facilitated research in the field of history of technology for scholars and students of American history. The book illustrated the growth of American technological knowledge within a European context, then applying that to manufacturing, communications, and the invention of labor-saving machinery. Noted historians Brooke Hindle and David Hounshell praised the publication - “this book has been eagerly awaited by historians of early American technology. It will immediately become an important reliance for all whose studies relate to the field.” And “a monumental achievement which, when carefully used by historians, is likely to change our understanding of American society before 1831.”
The writer did not have the pleasure of working with Mr. Rink; only of attempting to maintain his standards. Several summers in the early 1990s, Mr. and Mrs. Rink would visit the library with their out of town guests. Their pride was evident in twinkling eyes at how Hagley Library has matured.
Marsha Mills is the Foundation Archivist at Hagley.