SIL SPECIAL COLLECTIONS WORKING GROUP (SCWG)

Policies

• ID & assignment of SC materials

• Ordering and receiving

• Security

• Transportation

Notices

• 11/14/03: What are Special Collections?

Links

• Rare Books and Manuscripts Section of the American Library Association

• ARL Collections Program: Special Collections

• Guide to Smithsonian Institution Archives, Libraries & Special Collections

Special Collections materials include rare books and manuscripts meant for the Special Collections Department of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries (SIL) and other items that are either cataloged as or clearly intended to be rare books or "special" collection items at libraries in the Reader Services Division of SIL.

The growing number of special collections holdings in the various libraries of SIL in recent years has made it increasingly difficult to maintain the old informal methods of communication about these items. Establishing a formal network of people with similar concerns about Special Collections materials will aid us in the proper flow of necessary and useful information within SIL and beyond.

The mission of SCWG is:

• to provide a forum where the SIL Policies and Procedures pertaining to Special Collections materials can be disseminated, implemented, and updated.
• to raise awareness of issues pertaining to the cataloging, handling, preservation, and security of Special Collections materials
• to improve communication about the various SIL Special Collections to researchers and the general public
• to keep SIL aware of the importance of its Special Collections and the important part they play in the identity of SIL
• to improve the opportunities for special gifts or grants for the development and preservation of the SIL Special Collections.

SCWG will consist of:

• The Head of Special Collections, SIL (Chair of SCWG)
• SIL branch librarians holding (or planning to hold) a specifically designated group of Special Collections materials.
• Select members of SIL departments/units that are heavily involved in cataloging, handling, and security of Special Collections materials
• The Associate/Assistant Director for Readers Services, SIL

It will be helpful for the SCWG to hold a brief meeting on an annual basis, if possible, on the same day as the SIL Annual Meeting. There is no need for regular meetings of SCWG apart from an annual meeting. With everyone's cooperation and attention an email list will prove the most effective way of discussing the issues as they arise. It will be incumbent upon the Chair of SCWG to forward the groups concerns to the upper administration of SIL. In turn, the SCWG members will be responsible for passing along appropriate issues to their staff.

Ronald Brashear
September 17, 2003