Special Collections

Rare Books and Special Collections... Now Available

With support from The Dibner Fund, the Libraries has published a richly illustrated survey of the valuable and unusual materials in its special collections. Bern Dibner, whose collection of books was donated by the Burndy Library, is honored in a frontispiece, and the work includes illustrations from an 1886 guide to the Smithsonian, an annotated copy of Newton's Opticks (1718), an early 19th-century English ballooning scrapbook, rare 16th- to 19th- century books on insects, herbs, shells, and scientific collecting manuals, Native American studies, a 15th- century travel book, and selected images from the extensive World's Fairs and Trade Catalog collections. The book brings together special collections housed in the Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology situated in the Museum of American History, the Admiral Dewitt Clinton Ramsey Room at the National Air and Space Museum Branch, the Bradley Room at Cooper- Hewitt National Design Museum Branch, and other locations. Director Barbara J. Smith writes in the Forward, "We hope that you will learn enough from this publication about the scope and depth of these collections to appreciate how they contribute to the Smithsonian's ongoing work in its research, exhibition, publication, education programs." With 61 illustrations, 47 in color, the volume serves as a visual review of selected highlights in special collections. The 108-page paperback book sells for $19.95.

The renovated reading room features wiring which allows scholars to use personal computers along with rare materials. In addition, the renovation provides for a staff work area outside the stacks, so staff may continue daily operations while providing security oversight of readers. A lighter color scheme enhances the productive work atmosphere for readers and staff.

William E. Baxter, appointed head of the Special Collections Department in May, also serves as the Libraries' Exhibitions Officer. Mr. Baxter earned his Master of Library Science degree at Drexel University, Philadelphia, and an M.A. in history at St. Louis University. He comes to the Libraries from the American Psychiatric Association where he was director of the library and archives since 1989 with responsibility for the association's rare books, manuscripts, and archives. Mr. Baxter has experience working with exhibitions, and he recently published a book, America's Care of the Mentally Ill: A Photographic History (Washington, D. C., 1994), based on an exhibition created for the 150th anniversary of the American Psychiatric Association.