The Special Collections Research Center opened its doors to colleagues and the public in two open house events in D. H. Hill Jr. Library this fall, showing the diverse facets of our work, from acquiring new collections, processing and preservation, our digital programs, outreach, public services, and more. These events have been a fun way to dispel some of common myths and mysteries surrounding special collections, and to show colleagues, donors, faculty, alumni, and students what we have that can support their research, teaching, and personal interests.
Special Collections staff members collaborated to organize an "open house" of the SCRC for our fellow NCSU Libraries colleagues, as part of a monthly Libraries staff-coordinated Share With A Peer (SWAP) series. The event was organized as an interactive, self-guided tour of Special Collections, with SCRC staff stationed throughout the room showing materials and examples highlighting the various aspects of our work.
Several weeks later, we opened our doors to Friends of the Library members in the FOL Library Libations event "Special Collections and Spirits." Guests were invited into our staff offices (including small groups at a time into our high-security vault) to meet our staff and learn about the work we do.
We enjoyed opening our doors to the community of colleagues and friends in NCSU Libraries, to share what we love about our work and to spark new ideas for research and partnerships with Special Collections.