Abstract
Archives and special collections libraries are not intuitive spaces for users. Barriers, both real and perceived[i], exist whenever accessing an archive or special collections library. Access to archives and rare books should be within reasonable reach of all who have an interest in historical topics. This paper examines barriers to access in archival and special collections environments, discusses the importance of recognizing barriers, and addresses steps to dismantle them at your institution. Specific examples from our experience help illustrate where barriers exist and how to increase access, inclusivity, and transparency in archival and special collections public services.[i] However, perceived barriers are very real to the individuals affected by them. At the same time, as researchers become more experienced with the procedures used to access archives and special collections, the impact of perceived barriers may be mitigated.
Highlights
Imagine yourself as a student, assigned by your professor to write a paper using primary sources from your campus’ special collections library
The barriers identified and steps taken to reduce them evolved out of a privileged status: able-bodied, knowledgeable about archival operations, and white. Though this view creates limitations on our perspective, we offer our contributions as allies engaged and committed to changing the institutional environment in which our archives and special collections libraries operate
Institutions are more than the buildings that house them; in many cases, the first introduction that a student has with an archives or special collections is the physical library itself—starting at the front door
Summary
Archives and special collections libraries are not intuitive spaces for users. Barriers, both real and perceived, exist whenever accessing an archive or special collections library. Access to archives and rare books should be within reasonable reach of all who have an interest in historical topics. This paper examines barriers to access in archival and special collections environments, discusses the importance of recognizing barriers, and addresses steps to dismantle them at your institution. Specific examples from our experience help illustrate where barriers exist and how to increase access, inclusivity, and transparency in archival and special collections public services
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