Modern Special Collections: Embracing the Future While Taking Care of the Past

Abstract

As managers of special collections engage with evolving formats and technologies, it is imperative that these professionals remain well versed in papyrus, paper, and principles that inform archival work. The permanence of this content defines our past, informs our present, and shapes our future. However, a constricting interpretation of archival principles heavily focused on the “integrity” of recordkeeping drives collection managers further from the resources needed to do their jobs in this new age of archiving. Thinking in a nontraditional strategic manner can ensure continued collection development, access, and relevance for the next generation.

KEYWORDS:

• university libraries
• strategy
• management
• library staff development
• collection management