Embossed Materials for the Blind: History, Preservation Concerns and Special Projects

Molly Stothert-Maurer's presentation from the MARAC Spring 2014 conference, "Embossed Materials for the Blind: History, Preservation Concerns and Special Projects", S3 - April 25, 2014, Rochester, N

Aim High: Pushing Collaboration and Outreach Limits for the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11

Exhibits in archives and special collections function as an important outreach tool for these specialized, sometimes formidable repositories. Exhibits increase public knowledge of available collections, promote engagement with those collections, reach new audiences, and provide opportunities to build bridges across campus units. This case study looks at a rotating exhibition titled Moon at the University of Arizona Libraries Special Collections created to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing on July 20, 2019. This article covers exhibit design, programming and events that accompanied the exhibit, and coordinated efforts across the University of Arizona campus to celebrate this milestone anniversary in spaceflight. Collaboration played a key role in the success of this exhibit, with shared expertise and relevant items on loan from other university units adding depth and complexity to the wealth of Moon-related items held by Special Collections

To the Moon and Mars and Back to the Archives: Working with Modern Space Collections at the University of Arizona Libraries

With a long history at the University of Arizona with excellence in the lunar and planetary sciences, the University of Arizona Libraries Special Collections has increased its collecting of the History of Science and Technology. These large, modern space collections pose unique challenges and require specific needs to be addressed in order for the collections to be stored, processed and made available for access. It is essential for archivists working with these collections to ask their donors the right questions and learn the limitations and restrictions that often come with acquiring modern space collections. Archives around the country have started tackling the issues unique to space collections, particularly with the conference To Boldly Preserve in 2018. Special Collections has encountered these processing and access issues with the Peter Hollingsworth Smith papers (MS 605) including the heavy reliance on acronyms and abbreviations, special restrictions form ITAR and export control that affect access and the effects of grant funding on archiving of materials. While the acquisition of modern space collections can be complicated, the preservation of modern space missions is vital to document the development of the exploration of space and being prepared for these common issues can ease the transition of collections to the archives