University of Otago vice-chancellor Prof David Skegg, researcher George Griffiths and author Ian Church examine Gaining a Foothold at the Hocken Collections this week. Photo by Jane Dawber.
The general editor of the book, Mr Church, said it was wonderful to have reached the launch stage as it meant the book was now available to the public.
"What I hope is people will dip into it and find out all sorts of things."
Mr Griffiths was presented with a leatherbound copy of the book for his "outstanding contribution" to the friends and guidance with the book.
The book was published in the memory of David McDonald, who was the Hocken reference librarian from 1976-2000.