This fall semester, Roesch Library unveiled a renovated classroom dedicated to teaching with our rare and unique books, manuscripts, archival collections and artwork. This new purpose-designed space, located on the fourth floor, offers faculty and students a place for curiosity, discovery and engagement with primary sources that are unique to UD Libraries.
With that in mind, this past spring I met with library faculty and staff to outline what a home for special collections instruction in Roesch might look like. In addition to refreshing technology and furniture, there are a few features that make the classroom as special as the materials we teach with. An alcove has been transformed into a “cubby room” for students to store bags, drinks and snacks safely away from the often delicate materials. Also unique to the classroom is a zone-mounted, museum-quality hanging rail system for teaching with framed artwork, ensuring it is safely mounted without damaging the walls. Finally, the classroom is outfitted with supplies common to special collections research such as pencils, measuring tapes, book cradles and magnifying glasses.
Teaching in the Space
After teaching a few sessions in the classroom this fall, the possibilities for the space already seem endless. In Professor Dorian Borbonus’ Humanities 102 seminar, we paired a slow looking exercise using a digitized map with a deep dive into physical historical maps dating back to the 17th through 20th centuries. These maps were recently acquired by University Archives and Special Collections thanks to designated collections funding from the Alumni Chair in the Humanities, Samuel Dorf. Examining the visual qualities of the map helped students explore their historical and cultural contexts and develop questions for their final research projects of the semester. Students worked in groups to first document the physical qualities of the maps, then their imagery, and finally draw conclusions about their broader purpose and context.
Similarly, in Professor Darden Bradshaw’s visual journal course, students examined the aesthetic qualities of scrapbooks, albums and diaries from the Marian Library and U.S. Catholic Special Collection. During this session, students considered the original creator’s use of image sequence, juxtaposition and position to gather inspiration for their own visual journals. In one example, a scrapbook produced by 19th century nuns at an abbey in France contained nothing but postcards featuring artwork of the Pietà, the visual motif of Mary cradling the body of Jesus after his descent from the cross. Throughout the session students were encouraged to think about the relationship between repetition and ritualized routines in religious devotion as an example of how images alone can convey the creator’s intentions.
Upcoming Programming
Members of the campus community have multiple opportunities to visit the special collections classroom this semester beginning with an archives and special collections open house from 3 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Registration is encouraged but not required.
The next opportunity is a joint workshop with the Dialogue Zone from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29. The workshop, “Possibility and Presence: Shaping Diverse Narratives in University Archives,” will combine a tour of the Honoring Our History: UD at 175 exhibit with a series of hands-on archival encounters in the special collections classroom. Registration is required.
Finally, the Marian Library will host an open house for faculty and graduate students interested in applying for a Marian Fellowship from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30. Visitors are encouraged to drop in at any time during that window. Registration is encouraged but not required.
— Michele Jennings is an assistant professor and special collections instruction librarian in the Marian Library.
