Special collections for beginners

Abstract

Purpose -This article sets out to describe the challenges and opportunities created by the presentation of a number of special collections to the library service of Waterford Institute of Technology. It aims to focus on the work done with the collections to date and plans for the future. Design/methodology/approach -This case study reports on the collections presented to WIT Library Service and the approach taken to their conservation and display. It also discusses the ongoing issues involved in special collections management in a modern academic library setting. Findings -The paper concludes that there is a delicate balancing act involved in accepting and managing special collections in contemporary academic libraries. Key factors to consider are expense, staff time and skills, and potential benefits to the library and its users.Research limitations/implications -The project is still in development. The study provides a view on one medium-sized academic library's experience of handling special collections. Practical implications -This account is likely to be useful for organisations in a similar position, faced with similar challenges of comparable scale. Originality/value -The paper offers practical insights for libraries in similar positions.

Going Local: Creating Unique and Special Collections in an Academic Library

“…The case study documents the steps the library took in acquiring these collections, the reasoning behind their importance, and the factors involved in preserving and storing them long term (Darbey & Hayden, 2008). The fact that institutions frequently acquire collections without a strong intention of making them available quickly or possibly ever was observed (Darbey & Hayden, 2008).…”

“…Most closely related to our situation was an article around the acquisition of three special collections at the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT), based in Ireland (Darbey & Hayden, 2008). The case study documents the steps the library took in acquiring these collections, the reasoning behind their importance, and the factors involved in preserving and storing them long term (Darbey & Hayden, 2008).…”