Curating print collections in the digital age
Abstract
Purpose
Purpose: As collection development in research libraries becomes increasingly homogeneous and “e-preferred”, it is our heritage collections that differentiate us and anchor the physical presence of our institutions. These valuable heritage resources, vital for teaching, researching, and learning are unfortunately too often inaccessible, uncatalogued, and ultimately undiscoverable. This paper focuses on the curation of special collections as a means of exposing hidden collections and discusses practical steps undertaken to highlight unique print materials in the digital age.
Design/methodology/approach
This case study describes the transformation of a hidden collection into a teaching collection through the exhibition of uncatalogued Islamic manuscripts, their associated digital component and the resulting faculty–librarian collaboration.
Findings
By sharing print collections through exhibitions with an associated digital component, we are both increasing the visibility of, and improving access to the material.
Originality/value
This case study outlines a successful approach to exposing hidden collections to support an innovative teaching and learning environment.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
© Swanick & Garland, 2014
This paper was originally presented at the 2012 World Library and Information Congress, 78th IFLA General Conference and Assembly in Helsinki, Finland, 11-17 August. Published with the kind permission of IFLA www.ifla.org/ Articles published by Emerald which have their origins in an IFLA project are made freely accessible nine months after official publication. For permission to reuse this article, please contact the copyright holder.
Citation
Swanick, S. and Garland, J. (2014), "Curating print collections in the digital age", Collection Building, Vol. 33 No. 4, pp. 132-134. https://doi.org/10.1108/CB-08-2014-0044
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Authors