Learning About the World of Special Collections: stewardship, inventories, treasure hunts, genealogy...

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Adaptation of poster presented at the Midwest Chapter / Medical Library Association annual conference in Louisville, KY, October 2015.

Abstract

Even while many academic health sciences libraries are increasingly becoming immersed in clinical and translational science, systematic reviews and other institutional endeavors, historical and genealogical questions as well as projects continue to thrive. The scope of the work can be varied and challenging, involving many interested players and stakeholders, both internal and external. How might the formula of librarians, evidence, or proof apply in the case of historical queries and work when staffing devoted to activities is not full-time, and also interim or transitional? The song title "Time Waits For No One" (Rolling Stones, 1974) aptly describes the juggling act of addressing inquiries, moving things along, trying to be a good steward, documenting work done, and participating in planning for future traditional format and digital scenarios. Can any health sciences librarian step in to do this work if needed? Where does one begin? How does one identify a particular library's treasures? How does one provide evidence of the value of this area of the library's work? In this poster, some logs and visualizations will represent a case study of one institution's Special Collections and related historical work of the past year, some treasures discovered, and some lessons learned that might resonate with others. One wants to change the words of the song, "The Middle of the Road is Trying to Find Me" (Pretenders, 1984) to be the more pro-active acclamation: "I am trying to find the middle of the road and will go down it with purpose".

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original_citation: Learning About the World of Special Collections: stewardship, inventories, treasure hunts, genealogy.../Ramune K. Kubilius [poster]. Presented at the Midwest Chapter / Medical Library Association annual conference in Louisville, KY, October 2015.

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