10 - Using special collections materials and creating learning centers to engage the community: historic instruments, films, tools, and toys

Abstract

In our profession, we see too many frustrating instances of wasted space. It seems no academic library, no matter how new, is immune. Examples include multimedia engagement areas being used as storage closets, unused corners being turned into storage areas that are visible to patrons, computer labs that contain obviously outdated equipment, and decades-old furniture repurposed to create a pseudo-study space. Some library directors are brazen in calling this last effort their “learning commons”. The reasons for such poor decision-making are equally frustrating: to cut costs; to save money; to claim territory. The tragedy is that these spaces can be used for marketing. New library directors should consider the expertise and talents of their own faculty to create library-housed (and if it is a good fit, librarian-directed) learning centers. These places of learning, scholarly exchange, and teaching offer a physical area where special collections materials can be used for educational interaction. Whether the materials include award-winning films reissued on DVD, interactive art collections (installation art), photo stills and playbills, or historic musical instruments, separately or in combination, new library directors and librarians can use the engaging collection for grant leverage, ultimately leading to unique library branding and eminence.