Special Collections
A concentration in special collections offers
students knowledge and experience in the broad range of library
materials that are defined by this rich area of study - from print
to digital and from the traditional formats to the virtual. The
field encompasses collections of rare books, manuscripts, archival
documents and personal papers. It reflects recent interest in
popular culture material, area and interdisciplinary studies,
as well as media and format collections including film, sound
recordings, video, maps, prints and photographs, and electronic
resources. In recent years, the field of special collections has
enjoyed renewed and expanding interest. Through utilization of
the Internet and the World Wide Web, special collections can be
disseminated to a vast number of users, researchers, students,
and the general public, enhancing the role of the special collections
librarian as educator, and provider of intellectual access to
our nation's cultural and historical heritage.
Each student is required to take four core
courses along with appropriate mid-level and advanced courses.
The student will consult with his/her advisor to determine which
courses will best meet his/her personal and professional needs.
Required core courses for all students are:
LSC 551 Organization of Information
LSC 553 Information Sources and Services
LSC 555 Information Systems in Libraries and
Information Centers
LSC 557 Libraries and Information in Society
In addition to the required core courses,
students can build a concentration in special collections by choosing
among the following specialty and elective courses:
LSC 561 Oral History
LSC 601 History of the Book
LSC 609 Preservation
LSC 630 Archives Management
LSC 801 The College and University Library
LSC 818 The Special Library/Information Center
LSC 837 Seminar in Photographic Collections
LSC 840 Bibliography, Textual Studies, and
Editorial Theory
LSC 841 Rare Book Librarianship
LSC 842 Special Collections
LSC 843 Art Museum Librarianship
LSC 847 History of Map and Map Collecting
LSC 874-879 Special Topics
LSC 891-902 Independent Study
LSC 906-908 Practicum
Organizations of interest to students
in Special Collections
Professional associations are important sources
of information about the profession, continuing education opportunities,
scholarship support, and networking. Most have student membership
rates. For further information contact:
American Antiquarian Society (publishes Proceedings
and Journal)
Association of College Research Libraries /
American Library Association
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-2795
312-280-2519 FAX: 312-280-2520
e-mail: acrl@ala.org
Commission on Access and Preservation
Historical Society of Washington, D.C. (publishes
Washington History)
National Center for Film and Video Preservation
Research Libraries Group (numerous publications include Group News)
Washington Rare Book Group
Special Libraries Association
1700 18th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-234-7400 (Phone)
202-265-9317 (Fax)
Journals of interest to students in Special
Collections
Archives and Manuscripts
College and Research Libraries
Manuscripts (Manuscript
Society, Burbank, Calif.)
College and Research Libraries News (provides
job listings)
Primary Sources and Original Works
Princeton University Library Chronicle
Rare Books and Manuscripts Librarianship
Special Libraries
Revised, February 1997
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