Special collections and archival materials are essential components of the overall collections in many theological and religious libraries. These rare and often one-of-a-kind items can become participatory contributors to the educational mission of the institution. In the classroom, these unique resources enhance the teaching and learning experience of faculty and students. They also provide opportunities for librarians and archivists to showcase their rich collections of primary sources in collaborative contexts.
This session will emphasize approaches to teaching and learning in theological and religious libraries by demonstrating how librarians and archivists can connect primary resources to both traditional and non-traditional classroom and learning experiences. This includes organizing events with collaborative partners to bring special collections items out into larger educational and community contexts. The session will explore, through specific case studies, how special collections can be used to bridge the gap between theological audiences (both student and public) and library services.
The session will showcase how Yale Divinity Library integrates specialized Bibles, rare books and historical ephemera into the educational program of the chapel service at Yale Divinity School. The session will also highlight activities at Drew University that have used special collections materials in participation with public events related to Juneteenth/Civil War history, African Methodist Episcopal Church history, and the social justice movement in American Methodism. Through this session, the presenters hope to share their experiences and insights and inspire other libraries to consider different ways in which to share their materials both within and outside of traditional educational settings.
