This page contains some information, provided by Kevin Gladwell of the British Library, for people attending the October ZIG meeting in the UK.
For queries about the ZIG meeting agenda itself, contact Bill Moen (Acting Chair - wemoen@unt.edu) or Ray Denenberg (Z39.50 Maintenance Agency - rden@loc.gov). For assistance with travel arrangements, contact Annette Jackson (Annette.Jackson@bl.uk). For general queries, contact Paul Miller (p.miller@ukoln.ac.uk).
The meeting is being hosted by the British Library, at their Boston Spa site [map]. However, most of you will probably want to stay in the nearby historic city of York, some 15 miles from the Library. We will lay on a coach to transport people to and from Boston Spa each day, 2-5 October.
Transportation will be provided from the hotel departing at 0845, and back, departing at 1745.
The least painful way into this part of the UK is usually to fly via Manchester Airport. There is a regular train service from the airport to York Railway Station [map].
Alternatively, you might choose to fly into one of the London airports (Heathrow or Gatwick), cross London to King's Cross station, and catch one of the regular trains from there to York.
For those entering the UK via another European country (many cheaper flights from North America, for example, route through Belgium or the Netherlands), you might be able to fly to Leeds/Bradford Airport (a local airport). This is only 25 miles from York but there is no easy public transport so you will probably have to get a taxi (£30).
We have reserved rooms at the new Quality Hotel, 53 Piccadilly, York [map]. We have negotiated the following rates:
The above rates include full English breakfast/continental breakfast, except for children who will be charged for all meals.
Please make bookings before 7th September with Lisa Weedon or Jacqueline Hoddy, quoting "ZIG Meeting - British Library". You can book either by telephone at +44 1904 559000, saying that you are attending the ZIG Meeting to get the reduced rate or use the hotel's booking form on the web at: http://www.qualityhotelyork.com/bkmain.htm. You will need to add 'ZIG Meeting' in the special requests box of the form's Your Details section.
There are, of course, many other hotels in York and other hotels nearer the Boston Spa site, contact annette.jackson@bl.uk for details.
Details of York - Tourist attractions, more maps, hotels etc:
Central York is a bit like a living museum, so it's interesting to explore and wander off down the alleyways and snickleways. A good way to see the city is to walk around the city walls which were first built in the eleventh century, this would take about a couple of hours. A big tourist attraction in York is Jorvik, which has recently been revamped; make sure you get there early to avoid long queues. Also if you have even the slightest interest in railways you must visit the National Railway Museum. There are lots of interesting shops too and everything is within walking distance.