For instance, first editions and other early versions of the works of the famous North American bird artists Alexander Wilson and John James Audubon appear in the Hill Collection, but later editions are available for circulation in Mann Library. American and British men who helped lay the groundwork in the late 19th century for the 20th-century development of ornithology are represented extensively in both collections. Daniel G. Elliot, Spencer F. Baird, Robert Ridgway, John Cassin, Elliott Coues, R. Bowdler Sharpe, Philip L. Sclater, George R. Gray, and John Gould are typical examples. The person whose interest lies in the history of ornithology before the 20th century may want to begin work in the Hill Ornithology Collection in Kroch Library. This is particularly true if one's main interest is the development of bird art and the scientific illustration of bird books over the centuries.
Collections is the place to begin.
The list of ornithological collections, available from the department, is revised periodically to include new materials, but anyone working with the history of ornithology should check with staff of the department for complete, current information. The Ornithology Library of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is intended mainly to serve the needs and functions of the staff of the laboratory. Since most of its holdings, except for local bird club newsletters, are duplicates of those in Mann Library, researchers should first check for a title at Mann Library. If for some reason the book or journal is not available there, the Ornithology Library will make its copy accessible for use in the laboratory building.