This article is more than 5 years old.

A frequent question heard in ZSR: “So, I have a question for Special Collections & Archives, who should I contact first?” That is a very good question to ask, and here is an answer. While everyone in SCA multitasks to a certain point, we do have people serving as “leads” in particular areas, and it is sometimes helpful to start there.

The first, best place to start is archives@wfu.edu, your go-to for anything e-mail and for referring reference questions, faculty requesting instruction for classes, or donations. Messages sent to this email go to Megan, Rebecca, and Tanya’s inboxes, so we can make sure something is handled even if one of us is out of the office. If you’re asked for directions to Special Collections & Archives and are wondering where to send students, faculty, or visitors, the answer is ZSR Room 625. ZSR 625 is the SCA Research Room (west wide, Reynolds Wing) the only public service research desk for all visitors and researchers to SCA. Our reference desk is constantly staffed during our regular business hours of 9-5, Monday-Friday and is the only public destination in the department. Adjacent to the Research Room is our new classroom, ZSR 624. This classroom is utilized by SCA during our open hours of 9-5, Monday-Friday, but it is available for booking by anyone in the WFU community for events after 5 p.m. or on weekends.

Each SCA staff member has a particular area in which they focus their attention, although again, we all multitask. Stephanie (Collections Archivist) processes collections, supervises students working with collections, and oversees the creation of collection finding aids, which are then made available online. Craig (Preservation Librarian) rehouses our archives materials, creates boxes for rare books, completes minor repairs on both SCA and General Collection materials, and gives us exhibit support. Rebecca (Public Services Archivist) coordinates our introductory instruction efforts (Lib100), answers reference questions, coordinates the reference desk and 624 classroom, and organizes other outreach activities, such as Hop into History. Megan (Special Collections Curator) does in-depth instruction and works closely with faculty to integrate our rare books into their curriculum, curates exhibits, and creates original catalog records. Beth (Collections Assistant) creates catalog record for SCA materials, and is currently working on records review and cleanup in preparation for a future ILS migration. Finally, in addition to managing the department, Tanya (Director) interacts with on-campus and external donors about collection donations or transfers and develops outreach events and projects with campus and external partners.

Please refer on-site visitors with questions to our Research Room (625 ZSR), and mark our fall events on your calendar. We hope to see you soon!