30 years ago, TTU celebrated the nearly completed SWC/SCL building with a "Hard Hat Party." Ground breaking (images 2 and 3) was in 1994. The building was dedicated in 1997 (image 4).

#history #archives #southwestcollection #specialcollections #texastech #lubbock #photographs

Archivist and Special Collections Librarian / Open Rank The W’s Fant Memorial Library invites applications for a open-track faculty appointment to lead the Beulah Culbertson Archives & Special Collections unit. As a part of a team committed to making the l...

Columbus, MS: Archivist and Special Collections Librarian / Open Rank, Mississippi University for Women

#specialcollections
#archivistjobs
#libraryjobs

muw.peopleadmin.com/postings/6868

Assistant Professor - Special and Digital Collections Librarian - #132738 The primary location of this position is on the main Cullowhee, NC campus.Western Carolina University’s Hunter Library seeks an enthusiastic and service-oriented individual to serve as the Special and...

Cullowhee, NC: Special and Digital Collections Librarian, Western Carolina University #132738

#specialcollections
#libraryjobs
#appalachia

jobs.wcu.edu/postings/32810

Close up of a mixture of colourful items in a glass display case. In the foreground are drawings of minerals and in the background is a tube and large matchstick box. Each item has a label alongside it.

Close up of a mixture of colourful items in a glass display case. In the foreground is a neatly folded shirt, illustration of a wild cat and a tube. Each item has a label alongside it.

Our mini-display highlights and celebrates the vision and creativity of our colleagues and collaborators in sharing the extraordinary wonder and breadth of our collections and, at their heart, the natural world.

#SpecialCollections #Zoology #Botany #Art #Minerals #Birds #FarrowandBall #Archivist

It's Spring Break! The Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library will be closed on Friday, March 20th. Have a nice break!

U 324.4 Communications and Marketing Photograph Collection

#archives #southwestcollection #specialcollections #texastech #lubbock #photographs #springbreak

A few more days to apply to be our next Small Press in Residence! Outstanding collections, collaborations with us, @sladeschoolucl.bsky.social & @uclpublishing.bsky.social + £5,000 to spend flexibly!

#smallpress #libraries #archives #artistresidency #artistinresidence #funding #specialcollections

Please join us for an upcoming reception and exhibit opening honoring Christopher B. "Stubb" Stubblefield on Wednesday, April 8th from 5pm to 7pm at the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library.

#SouthwestCollection #SpecialCollections #TexasTech #Lubbock #Stubbs #StubbsBBQ

Special collections reading rooms from a user’s perspective: equipment and online information provision _By Janna Freiling, Information Management, Hanover University of Applied Sciences and Arts_ Anyone who has worked in a special collections reading room may have noticed that their use often raises practical questions. Researchers may wonder whether an appointment is required, how materials can be ordered, how long it takes for them to arrive, or whether photography is allowed. These questions often arise even before a visit, for example in enquiries to the library. Working in a special collections reading room myself, I noticed that such questions came up regularly. In many cases the relevant information existed somewhere on the library website, but it was not always easy to find. This observation led to a broader question: which information do users actually need in order to prepare a visit to a special collections reading room, and how well is this information currently provided on library websites? At the same time, I also became interested in another aspect of reading room use: the equipment available to researchers. While this is rarely the subject of enquiries, it raises the question of whether the equipment provided in special collections reading rooms actually reflects users’ needs. These questions became the starting point for my bachelor’s thesis. My name is Janna Freiling, and I completed a part-time bachelor’s degree in Information Management at Hanover University of Applied Sciences and Arts while working in special collections, both in a special collections reading room and in the cataloguing of historical collections. At the end of 2025, my online survey on the use of special collections reading rooms was distributed via the CERL network, among others. A total of 92 people from several countries took part, mainly from Germany, the United Kingdom and the USA. The survey formed part of a bachelor’s thesis, the key findings of which are presented below. The thesis explores whether the requirements for the equipment of special collections reading rooms and the online information provided by German academic libraries correspond to the needs of users. The study combines specialist literature, a systematic analysis of 20 German academic library websites, and an international online survey of special collections reading room users. Special collections reading rooms are central locations for the use of particularly sensitive collections such as manuscripts, old prints, or estates. Their design is influenced by conservation requirements, but at the same time they are workspaces where research takes place under specific time and organisational conditions. The results show differences in emphasis between the technical descriptions in the literature and the priorities expressed in the survey, but no fundamental contradictions between them. The survey results place greater emphasis on practical working conditions. **Analysis of German websites: structure, terminology and findability** The website analysis covers 20 academic libraries in Germany and examines their German-language pages on special collections reading rooms. Basic organisational information such as ordering procedures, opening hours and contact details is generally available. However, the analysis also shows differences regarding English-language information. 40% of the libraries examined do not provide English-language information about their special collections reading rooms at all. Where English-language pages exist, their content does not always correspond fully to the German version. For international researchers, this can make the preparation of a visit more difficult. At the same time, there is considerable variation in terms of terminology and structure. Numerous different German terms are used for special collections reading rooms, such as ‘Handschriftenlesesaal’ (manuscript reading room) or ‘Forschungsleseraum’ (research reading room). This diversity can make targeted searches difficult. In addition, the relevant information is often not immediately accessible from the home page. There is a general lack of information on how often the content is updated. Information on reproductions, technical equipment or organisational conditions is often available, but it is not always bundled or centrally located; instead, it is sometimes outsourced to subpages or linked documents. **Information requirements from the user’s perspective** The online survey systematically records the importance of various types of information. Information on access and organisation, on making appointments and lead times, and on regulations regarding photography and reproductions are rated particularly highly. Information on equipment is also considered important. The five highest-ranked types of information are opening hours, whether registration or an appointment is necessary, rules for photography with personal cameras, the ordering procedure, and contact details. The ranking of the most important information and equipment needs is summarised in Figure 1. Figure 1. Top 5 information and equipment needs for special collections reading rooms identified in an online survey of special collections reading room users. The free-text responses illustrate why these types of information are considered important. As one respondent emphasised, “predictability is key; a library should announce as much as possible on their website so that researchers can plan ahead.” In particular, information on access requirements, appointment procedures, provision times, photography and reproductions is justified by the need to plan a visit to the special collections reading room in advance and to be able to structure the available working time on site. Information on the technical infrastructure is also mentioned in connection with specific work processes. The results thus show the central importance of planning-relevant information for the preparation and organisation of a visit. Respondents also stressed the importance of clear advance guidance, including access requirements, turn-around times and procedures for ordering materials. **User experiences** The open questions about positive and negative experiences also show that transparent processes, reliable organisation and supportive staff are perceived as conducive to work. As one respondent put it, special collections reading rooms “tend to be quiet places with dedicated staff.” Another participant summarised the importance of library staff even more succinctly: “Librarians are the scholar’s best friends. Treat them well.” Negative experiences, on the other hand, relate primarily to organisational uncertainties, unclear regulations or restrictions on reproductions. Some respondents also mentioned disturbances in the reading room environment, such as noise from conversations between staff or other researchers, which can affect concentration and the overall working atmosphere. Positive and negative assessments are therefore often linked to the predictability of procedures and the overall working conditions on site. **Structure of a user-oriented special collections reading room website** Based on the online survey, a website structure can be derived that follows the typical sequence of events during a visit. The special collections reading room page can be understood as a kind of instruction manual that guides users through preparation, arrival and use. The following information should be immediately visible at the top of the page: a brief description of the special collections reading room as a special workspace, a reference to the applicable rules with a link to the terms of use, opening hours, information on the appointment requirement and clear contact details. This information allows users to make an initial assessment of the terms of use without additional navigation. A separate section should summarise all the steps that need to be clarified before arrival. This includes information on making appointments, the ordering process including links to catalogues, the necessary documentation, the maximum number of items that can be ordered, and lead times and delivery times. This makes it clear what organisational requirements must be met before the visit. For arrival on site, information on the location within the building, documents to be presented, permitted and prohibited items, and cloakrooms or lockers is relevant. Another area should cover the specific working conditions: workplace equipment, electricity and Wi-Fi availability, existing reference libraries or technical aids, and, where applicable, information on break options or climatic conditions. Regulations on photography, reproductions and further use should be presented clearly and concisely, as they have a direct influence on the scope of work and length of stay. This includes conditions for taking your own photographs, use of existing equipment, reproduction services, publication requirements and copyright notices. In addition to the structure of the content, findability, language and timeliness must also be taken into account. The diversity of German terms can make searching difficult. Consistent use of the term ‘Sonderlesesaal’ (special collections reading room), at least in metadata, can improve findability. In view of an international user base, an English-language version with equivalent content is also useful. Indicating the update status can help to assess reliability. **Conclusion** The results show that information relevant to planning and practical working conditions play a particularly important role from the users‘ perspective. While the specialist literature describes equipment requirements primarily from a conservation perspective, the survey focuses more on aspects of workability and organisation, without giving rise to any fundamental contradictions. For the design of special collections reading room websites, this means that information must be provided in a structured, transparent and user-oriented manner. My bachelor’s thesis (in German) is available online at: https://doi.org/10.25968/opus-3845 Figure 2. Sonderlesesaal, Universitätsbibliothek Marburg ### Share this: * Share on X (Opens in new window) X * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Like Loading... ### _Related_

Very happy to share this blog post written by one of my students on her BA thesis: cerlblog.wordpress.com/2026/03/17/special-colle... #specialcollections #rarebooks #cerl

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Dr Rod Bale, UWTSD archaeologist, will be describing his work on ship timbers, re-cycled for use in a row of late Georgian terraced houses in Swansea. He will also talk about some local buildings, where he has been able to use tree-ring data to date the wood.

#uwtsdlib #SpecialCollections

A collage of three artworks on a black background. Top left, a painting of a white dodo with a yellow wing. A black arrow points to its eye. Middle, an oil painting of a grey and yellow dodo and parrot. A black arrow points to the dodo's eye. Bottom, a back and white artchitectural sketch of a dodo. A black arrow points to its eye.

A book open to a page showing a black and white engraving of three crows in a woodland landscape. Near two of the crows are coloured numbers.

Week 10 of #MusicMondays. For last week's answers/credits, see the final slide. #SpecialCollections #NHMMusicMondays

Our latest #Vault217 blog preview includes an Army Nurse scrapbook, a unique music manuscript, and more exciting materials now available for use in the Special Collections Research Center. Follow the link to learn more: vault217.gmu.edu?p=11793

#archives #specialcollections #archivesblog

To the left, a glass display cabinet with ancient coins and a vase in, with a rare book in the middle shelf. To the right, part of a table with a book in a portable display case, and flyers for the Shakespeare's Roses project.

To the right: The glass display cabinet. To the left: the Shakespeare's Roses machine, a wooden cabinet-style design which pumps out perfumes from the past - surrounded by two stands.

A picture of the table, display case, and Shakespeare's Roses machine, with people discussing it.

On the 3rd of March, the MRC teamed up with several Faculty of Arts departments for the Set the Pace Showcase, a celebration of the University of Warwick's largest philanthropic campaign yet.

#MRC #ModernRecordsCentre #SpecialCollections #Archives #Philanthropy #UniversityOfWarwick #SetThePace

"We have one of the world's largest and most comprehensive archives on farming and ranching."

#history #southwestcollection #specialcollections #texastech #preservation #manuscripts #archives #lubbock

A collage of two photographs. Top, a colour photograph of a book cover. The book title is 'Common shells of the sea shore.' Bottom, a black and white photograph of 5 boys in 1950s clothing entering the doorway of the Natural History Museum.

A colour print of two large spotted wild cats, one standing and one sitting, with red crosses over their ears.

Week 9 of #MusicMondays. For last week's answers/credits, see the final slide. #SpecialCollections #NHMMusicMondays

Handwritten note describing Mercedes de Acosta's donation of #MarleneDietrich letters and artifacts to the Rosenbach as part of her larger gift in the 1960's.

#MercedesdeAcosta #archives #specialcollections #manuscripts

Boston University #Libraries Officially Home to Nikki Giovanni’s Papers (via @bulibraries.bsky.social) www.bu.edu/articles/202... #poets #authors #specialcollections

Here's a look at a couple of our hallway exhibit panels featuring vintage photos of Lubbock businesses.

#history #archives #southwestcollection #specialcollections #texastech #preservation #photographs #lubbock

A collage of three artworks. Top, a watercolour of three bees on and around white bindweed flower. Bottom left, a printed engraving of a rooster in a farmyard. Bottom right, a coloured painting of a rooster in a forest setting.

A collage of two images. Left, a printed engraving a menagerie of animals in front of a formal garden. Right, a long printed banner advertising Wombwell's collection of elephants, lions, gnus, and other creatures.

Week 8 of #MusicMondays. For last week's answers/credits, see the final slide. #SpecialCollections #NHMMusicMondays

My favorite book in the Rosenbach's collection: the Holy Bible once belonging to playwright, screenwriter, poet, novelist and memoirist #MercedesdeAcosta.

Photo by Tracie Van Auken.

#rarebooks #specialcollections #libraries #books #historyofreligion

ARL Daily Intelligence (February 17–19) — Association of Research Libraries The ARL Daily Intelligence is the trusted source of news and analysis for library leaders and advocates. Released Monday through Thursday, the ARL Daily Intelligence is curated by Gary D. Price, co-fo...

The #ARLDailyIntelligence brings you today’s essential news and analysis for library leaders and advocates. Check out today’s top stories!

www.arl.org/daily-intell...

#Research #Libraries #HigherEd #OA #AI #ScholarlyCommunication #Librarianship #PublicPolicy #Archives #SpecialCollections

This is an image of showcasing different publications of Wuthering Heights.

This is an image of the Wuthering Heights in comic form.

This is a smaller book publication of Wuthering Heights and the cover is blue.

This is an image of an illustration in the 1983 Oxford Edition of Wuthering Heights.

Love, obsession, revenge, death, and the impact of choices! Take a look at the different publications of Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë here at Special Collections and University Archives. 📖💌✍️ #archives #librarysky #libsky #terps #rarebooks #specialcollections #UMD

Two colour images on a black background. Top, three book spines with gold writing. The author's name, MC Adams, is circled on the middle book. Bottom, a drawing of a red fire ant on a small mound of sand.

A sheet of coloured drawings of jellyfish.

A text slide giving answers and citations for last weeks' images.

Week 7 of #MusicMondays. For last week's answers/credits, see the final slide. #SpecialCollections #NHMMusicMondays

“Early English Lexicography” exhibit at IU Bloomington’s #LillyLibrary in their Special Collection. #RareBooks #SpecialCollections

Learn More: go.iu.edu/8wk6

Valentine's Day is tomorrow! These undated images come from University Archive's Public Information Photograph Collection, 1926-1968 and are labeled as "Valentine's Day Lesson."

#history #archives #southwestcollection #specialcollections #texastech #photographs #ValentinesDay #UniversityArchives

Some exciting new highlights from the Archives and Special Collections team @uniofgalwayasc.bsky.social

Follow the link to read their blog here:
nuigarchives.blogspot.com

#archives
#historicaltreasures
#specialcollections
#skybrarians
#art
#illustration
#sketch
#anatomy

BLACK HISTORY MONTH LIBRARY POP-UP!! 🖤

Visit us on level 2 of the library from 10:30 AM - 12:30 to check out recommended books and see highlights from our Special Collections for Black History Month! ✨

#BlackHistoryMonth #MarriottLibrary #SpecialCollections #UniversityofUtah

Vintage illustrated postcard: a man and woman stand at a ping-pong table holding paddles. Handwritten text at upper right reads, ‘How shall I begin.’

How shall I begin? With a first post, of course. Follow along for highlights from our digital collections 🏓
collections.newberry.org/asset-manage...
#Libraries #SpecialCollections

“Marlboro Sports Calendar” cover featuring an illustration of a downhill skier carving through snow on a slope, set against a dark, moody winter background. Marlboro logo appears near the title at the top. CSTS watermark appears at the bottom right, along with a small “Advertisement” label.

Illustrated two-page “Marlboro Sports Calendar” spread for February events. A large downhill skier dominates the left side, with a smaller skier jumping in the center and a speed skater on the right. Across the top are dates and short event listings (including golf at Pebble Beach, the Millrose Games, NBA All-Star Weekend, NFL Pro Bowl, NHL All-Star Game, and the Daytona 500). A Surgeon General’s Warning box appears at the bottom left. CSTS watermark and Marlboro logo appear at the bottom right.

“Marlboro Sports Calendar: February Events” page with an illustrated downhill skier on the left and a large yellow table on the right listing sports events, dates, locations, and television schedules. The table includes items like golf at Pebble Beach, the Millrose Games, NBA All-Star Weekend, NFL Pro Bowl, NHL All-Star Game, and multiple Calgary Winter Games events (opening ceremonies, downhill, figure skating, hockey, speed skating, closing ceremonies). CSTS watermark appears at the bottom left.

“Marlboro Sports Calendar” pages featuring the Winter Games (Feb 13–28, 1988). Tobacco sports branding in print. CSTS collections. csts.ua.edu Content prepared by Rebecca Whiting, Graduate Research Assistant, CSTS. #winterolympics #winterolympicshistory #csts #tobaccohistory #specialcollections

Looking for books on Lubbock history? Look no further! These are frequently used by researchers and our staff. You can access these in our Holden Reading Room or check with your local libraries.

#history #archives #southwestcollection #specialcollections #texastech #research #lubbock #photographs

How A Little-Known Law Forever Changed Television Media by Melanie Pincus As a zillenial, I’m familiar with a hands-off approach to communications regulation. The internet era has gone without much federal action to protect young social media users or t…

What better way to start the new semester then with telecommunications laws!📺 #archives #librarysky #libsky #terps #broadcasting #specialcollections #UMD hornbakelibrary.wordpress.com/2026/02/06/h...