Options for Class Sessions in Special Collections

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to having your class session in the department. Classes can include instruction from our librarians in how to use our materials, how to use manuscript and archival collections, or how to find primary sources in your field. If you're looking for hands-on time with materials and in-class activities, ask us about our concept-driven class sessions--these sessions include intensive individual interaction with primary sources, often resulting in very enthusiastic and engaged students.

The following are some of the options we're able to provide, but we encourage you to let us know if you have other ideas. We've had great success with team-teaching, and we're always open to new models of instruction using our materials.


General Classes
  • Introduction to Special Collections and University Archives: A brief show-and-tell about collections, particular strengths, department activities, and procedures.
  • Introduction to Archival Research: An introduction to the use of manuscript and archival collections, including how to find collections, how to use a finding aid, reading room and duplication procedures, and problems often faced by the new user.
  • Our Holdings in Your Subject Area: A summary of what Special Collections holds in your subject area as preparation for subject-related research.
  • How to Find Primary Sources Online and in the Library: An overview of the best digital collections online, including demonstrations of how to use them effectively.

Concept-Driven Classes
  • Contextualize with Primary Sources: Contextualize a time period, event, or topic using original materials that show a variety of historical, cultural, social, and/or policitical viewpoints.
  • Investigate with Primary Sources: Investigate a particular question or problem in history by interrogating a variety of primary sources.
  • Criticize with Primary Sources: Students use primary sources to evaluate contrasting sides of an issue in history, endorse or critique a source's approach, and stage a class debate.
  • Authenticate with Primary Sources: Students apply their own knowledge to historical sources in order to confirm or disprove hypotheses.

Other Classes
  • Hold Your Class in Special Collections: If you would like to teach your class using Special Collections or University Archives materials, we're happy to assist you in locating resources.