Teaching with Special Collections

The Special Collections Department hosts a diverse range of classes that make use of our rare books, archives, and manuscripts. Special Collections librarians are happy to work with instructors to integrate primary resource materials into their curricula and encourages class visits. Instructional sessions can be tailored to undergraduate or graduate levels.

If you are interested in working with Special Collections, please visit us in person or send a request through the Special Collections Instruction Request Form and include the class title and size, as well as preferred date and time of class meeting. Please make your reservation at least two weeks in advance.

Teaching Support

If you would like to have a member of the Special Collections staff speak to your class, we can arrange for a variety of presentations, from a ten-minute introduction to a full class session. Special Collections librarians often teach class sessions in a specific subject area related to our collections.  This can include introductory sessions on archival research, primary resources, history of the book, history of printing, as well as other topics.

We can also help you locate materials in Special Collections to support your teaching or assignment needs.  Please contact us for suggestions for an item, topic or assignment that could be tailored to your class.

About the Class Visit

• A librarian will be present to greet your class.
• Before entering the room, faculty and students will be asked to place their bags in a separate room.
• Visitors may use pencils only.
• Food and beverages are not allowed.