tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561369698387264915.post4722986361117861727..comments2023-09-06T11:23:51.992-04:00Comments on the Anthropologist in the Stacks: Special Collections and Access to Library MaterialsDonna Lancloshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05808845005669459897noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561369698387264915.post-87662969695531735422010-05-19T09:46:31.079-04:002010-05-19T09:46:31.079-04:00Ha, ha, ha. I am one of those students mentioned ...Ha, ha, ha. I am one of those students mentioned above. The ten floor, for me at least, is a sacred space. Perhaps the feeling is from the glass enclosure and signs. The vibe I feel is not of exclusion, but of purpose. Personally, I think I need a purpose to validate entering this space. Is my reason for entering Special Collection worth it? I have gone to the tenth floor three times in two years. I guess I have not proven myself worthy of entering this realm. Ha, I'm weird.<br /><br />Until then, I guess I will stick to the seventh floor where it's nice and quiet.Audreynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7561369698387264915.post-27693689542325704592010-05-06T16:24:26.546-04:002010-05-06T16:24:26.546-04:00As a Special Collections Librarian here at Atkins,...As a Special Collections Librarian here at Atkins, I can say our materials are here to be used and we welcome everyone to come see us. I have seen many students come off the elevators on the 10th floor, look into the room behind the glass doors, and turn right back around becuase they feel like we are not open to them. It's true that we have different hours and that the way materials are handled in Special Collections is different than in other areas of the library but, ultimately, we are here for you. <br /><br />The article in the Chronicle is hard to judge, I can actually empathize with the writer's experiences (having myself been denied access or treated rudely in other special collections libraries) but I think it is too bad that so many of the comments suggest that all Special Collections libraries and librarians are rude and treat their collections like private objects. It is a good reminder to us about how we can be percieved in our dual efforts to preserve and provide access to unique materials, but I would like to think that here at Atkins we always provide service and information in a welcoming way. <br /><br />Want to find out what we have, browse our shelves, or do in depth research with one of a kind materials? Come see us Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm on the 10th floor of Atkins and we'll be happy to help!Katiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11163826365953820272noreply@blogger.com