Two Separate Worlds, One Shared Goal: An Exploration of Special Collections Catalogers\u27 Reporting Lines and Institutional Organization

This chapter seeks to better understand and quantify some of the challenges current special collections catalogers face through conducting and analyzing the authors\u27 recent survey of special collections catalogers primarily working in American cultural heritage institutions. While these findings are neither simple nor straightforward, it is possible to suggest some preliminary solutions. Overarching trends and challenges included communication between departments, security of valuable materials versus workspace locations, and priority setting

Lasting Experiences: Taking Galleries from Glass Cases to Online Access Repositories

This chapter outlines the process of creating a permanent online presence from a curated gallery exhibition. Creating an open access version of the exhibition on an institution’s repository preserves the experience for the future and extends its engagement to a growing online community of students, interested community members, and others beyond campus. Through the use of video and audio, as well as images and documents, we strive to create an equally engaging experience for those who are unable to attend the original installation in person. The permanent online exhibit thus extends learning opportunities and preserves important scholarly work that would otherwise disappear when the exhibit ends