Defining moments

Abstract

The Adelaide University Library decided to mark the milestone of the acquisition of its two millionth book in 1999 with a special celebration to coincide with the 125th anniversary of the establishment of Adelaide University. We asked a number of South Australians to take a few moments to recollect an example of literature, music or learning which signalled a 'defining moment' in their lives and to briefly describe why the work had such an impact on them. We present in this commemorative publication their responses, and have linked them when appropriate to the holdings of our Library. The variety of 'moments' recorded here is, we believe, symbolic of life's rich tapestry as reflected within the two million books, poems, journals, scores, manuscripts, prints, newspapers, tapes and similar publications, which comprise the collections of the University of Adelaide Library.