For an example of how to increase students' understanding of an archives and provide the experience of doing hands-on research with special collections, check out the latest addition to Case Studies on Teaching with Primary Sources:
"FYRE in Special Collections: Exploring Scientific History in a First-Year Research Experience Course" by Rachel Makarowski and Ginny Boehme of Miami University.
This case study highlights the benefits and challenges of introducing a very small class of first-year students to archives and special collections as well as conducting historical research in science-related fields. The study focuses primarily on the collaborations between the special collections librarian (Marakowski) and the science librarian (Boehme), who also served as one of the main instructors for the course titled "Creating Museum Exhibits."
This is the twentieth case study published in the
popular series sponsored by SAA's Reference, Access and Outreach Section.
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