Booklist Review
This engaging reference highlights 117 public library archives and special collections that have developed proven public-outreach programs. The entries are spread across 10 thematic categories, including Art and Archives ; Interactive Archives ; Oral History and Community Documentation Projects ; and Tours, Commemorations, and Special Events. Each category includes around 10 individual entries, each consisting of an overview of the program followed by insight into challenges and future plans. An example is the Charleston Archive, a community archiving project established in 2007 to preserve materials related to the community and to develop programs to expand interest in local history. A handy volume for archivists building outreach programming.--Odom, Brian Copyright 2016 Booklist
Choice Review
Schull, a long-time adviser to foundation, museum, and library boards, presents a series of inspiring studies of public libraries committed to enriching human experience through their unique primary sources and heritage collections. She calls for a greater awareness of some remarkable archival collections and identifies as a barrier the lack of a common perspective among archivists about the need for increased public engagement and experimental programming. Some academic librarians may not view archives as having a place in the future library, or they may simply be ignorant of the uniqueness of collections held at neighboring community libraries. Public librarians need to balance archival activities and collection-based curation with a commitment to public programming. The author argues that archives are not just for the past; they document human, artistic, and intellectual endeavors accessible via interpersonal and digital channels. Archives Alive describes 104 programs and 13 organizations in ten chapters conceptualized within categories such as art, community archives, exhibitions, educational initiatives, oral history projects, and public programming initiatives. Each chapter begins with an introduction followed by reports based on interviews and surveys and offers an overview, a collection description, challenges, and future plans. Although the primary audience is librarians and archivists, students and faculty in library-school programs, public-library administrators, undergraduate history majors, and general readers intrigued by public-history programming will also find much of interest here. Summing Up: Recommended. All academic levels; general readers; professionals/practitioners. --Arjun Sabharwal, University of Toledo
Library Journal Review
Library archives and special collections are no longer solely concerned with preservation; today's collections are being used by libraries in inventive ways. Public librarians are employing their special collections as a resource to develop exciting programs and projects in order to promote their institutions and to connect to their users. Museum and library consultant Schull (50 + Library Services) describes the efforts of these librarians by examining special collections programming at more than 100 U.S. public libraries. The author provides numerous examples, including art programs, oral history projects, educational outreach, and commemorative events. Furthermore, she explains how these programs have benefited libraries by making their collections more visible, by creating collaborative opportunities with other libraries and institutions, and by helping libraries to build relevancy. Moreover, these programs have proven valuable to library users in supplying learning and research opportunities, in assisting to encourage social interaction with other users, and in engaging the public in the collection development process. The examples throughout can be adapted by other libraries, and they may also inspire librarians to create their own special collections programming. VERDICT Recommended for special collections librarians, reference librarians, rare book librarians, library administrators, archivists, and library students.-Dave Pugl, Ela Area P. L., Lake Zurich, IL © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
