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Exploring Special Collections Instruction Sessions: A Guide for Faculty

This research guide provides information regarding collaborations between Special Collections and faculty across campus.

Who should come to Special Collections and University Archives Division?

Special Collections welcomes researchers at all levels - from first-year undergraduates to faculty researchers. We are available for individual research visits, as well as course-integrated instruction that can be tailored to any discipline. Whether you're teaching art history, game design, or chemistry, we'll work with you to create an engaging, hands-on experience that supports your course objectives.

Our doors are open to:

  • Undergraduate and graduate students
  • Faculty and researchers
  • Classes across disciplines
  • Student organizations
  • Independent scholars

What Will Students Accomplish During Their Visit?

Learning Outcomes in Special Collections

Based on the ACRL RBMS-SAA Guidelines, the following are focused learning objectives for Special Collections instruction:

Core Learning Objectives

Research Fundamentals

  • Distinguish between primary and secondary sources
  • Develop research questions using primary materials
  • Navigate finding aids and collections effectively
  • Understand archival organization methods

Critical Analysis

  • Evaluate source context and creator perspective
  • Identify creation date, method, and purpose
  • Recognize gaps and biases in records
  • Understand physical attributes' significance

Practical Skills

  • Handle materials appropriately
  • Use proper citation methods
  • Follow copyright guidelines
  • Apply preservation practices

These objectives are customizable based on:

  • Course level
  • Subject area
  • Assignment requirements
  • Time constraints
  • Collection focus

Society of American Archivist, Association of College and Research Libraries, & Rare Books and Manuscripts Section Joint Task Force. (2018, June). Guidelines for Primary Source Literacy. Retrieved November 20, 2024, from https://www2.archivists.org/sites/all/files/GuidelinesForPrimarySourceLiteracy-June2018.pdf

When can students come in for an Instruction Session?

  • Special Collections and University Archives Division is open Monday-Friday, from 8am-5pm.
  • The History of Aviation Archive is open Monday-Friday, from 8am-5pm.
  • Class Visits: Available during regular hours, must be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance and use the Special Collections Instruction Request Form. If your class meets in the evening, please fill out the form as well, but contact Jennifer Ottinger to discuss possible options.
  • Research Appointments: Schedule at least 48 hours in advance and use the Research Request Form.
  • Exhibitions in the Nebula Gallery: The gallery follows the hours of Special Collections, although exhibits can be viewed from windows during library open hours.

Why should students come to Special Collections for an Instruction Session?

  • Discover materials unavailable through online research
  • Connect course concepts with historical evidence
  • Learn professional archival research methods
  • Engage with historical artifacts directly
  • Study original documents rather than reproductions
  • Participate in hands-on learning activities
  • Contribute to collection-based research projects

How do you set up a time to bring students in for an Instruction Session?

Fill out a Special Collection Instruction Session Request Form to schedule a visit to the Special Collections Archive Division.

 

Contact information:

Rare Books, Louise B. Belsterling Botanical Collection, or the Wineburgh Philatelic Research Library

Email: Jennifer Ottinger or call 972-883-2583

History of Aviation Archives

Email: Patrizia.Nava@utdallas.edu or call 972-883-2577

University Archives

Email: Dr. Thomas Allen or call 972-883-2573