Introduction to Special Collections

Basic concepts: what is special collections, collection development policy, history of department, how to access, and description of collections; subject specificity is also available. Also available for LIB100/200 courses.

Topical presentations based on course subject

Topics vary according to subject/class but generally include introduction to Special Collections & Archives, examination of primary source materials relevant to class, instruction on how to conduct research in SC&A, and a class project or activity using SC&A materials.

Tour of Special Collections Research Room

Introduction to the room, the department, and the collections. This gives a brief overview of who can use the room, for what, and when. Available for class tours, library tours, and visiting groups.

Basics of Oral History

Basic concepts: what is oral history, how to plan and organize a project, documentation, equipment, interviewing tips, and access issues.

History of Books and Reading

History of reading, writing, and print culture as it relates to subject areas of specific classes (e.g. French Enlightenment, U.S. Civil War, Protestant Reformation, etc.).

How to Conduct Research Using Primary Sources (Archives and Manuscripts)

Introduction to types of primary sources, how to request and use materials in Special Collections & Archives, and how to locate digital objects and collections.

Potential Library and Public History Careers for History Majors

Review of potential career paths for history majors, focusing on libraries, archives, and museums.

Role of Preservation in Academic Libraries

Introduction to basic concepts of preservation work, including the importance of reversible treatments, importance of acid-free and pH neutral materials, stability of temperature and relative humidity (RH), consistency of physical environment, storage, care and handling, and security.

Researching the History of Wake Forest University

Highlighting University Archives publications including Howlers, History of Wake Forest vols. 1-4, Old Gold and Blacks, and Alumni magazines. Will review archival finding aids, president’s papers, university archives record groups, and digital collections.

LIB100: Introduction to Special Collections & Archives

Basic concepts: what is special collections, collection development policy, history of department, how to access, and description of collections; subject specificity is also available.

LIB260: History of the Book, 1400-2000

Introduces students to issues in the history of the book in the West, from early modern manuscript culture through the beginnings of the digital age. Using materials from ZSR Library Rare Books Collection, students examine printed texts as objects of study in three major ways: as material objects with artifactual value, as vehicles for text, and as social constructs and agents of social change. Must register with instructor in advance. (1.5 credit elective)

Lib290A: Exploring Primary Sources: An Introduction to Their Use in Research

Lib290A is a research methods class for history and other liberal arts majors. The course will focus on building basic skills for conducting historical research and includes guidance on locating, utilizing, and evaluating sources. Students will explore both primary sources (in both analog and digital form, such as diaries, letters, newspaper articles, photographs, government documents, and first-hand accounts) and secondary materials (such as books and articles written by historians and devoted to the analysis and interpretation of historical events and evidence).