Samuel A. Streit and Merrily E. Taylor

65: Seminar in Special Collections Administration [L- 50]

28 July - 1 August 2003

1)   How useful were the pre- course readings?

1: The preparatory reading list was very helpful and a useful way to begin thinking about class content. It was very helpful to have key resources indicated to help me prioritize my reading. It helped me feel more responsible for my own experience to have the readings be optional – not required. 2: Very. 3: Applied late – got the list late but have ready many of the articles – all quite pertinent although some dated but still relevant. 4: Quite useful. 5: Rather useful for class, but very useful for the future. 6: Very helpful and central to concerns, although the literature base is dated. 7: Very helpful in preparing for the course. It helps to have the reading lists on the Web. 9: Very useful -- will distribute the list to colleagues. 10: Very useful, should be updated a bit. 11: Quite useful. 12: Pre-course readings were extremely helpful as a context for class discussion. The readings also serve as a reference bibliography for special collection administration to which I will return again and again.

2)   Were the course syllabus and other materials distributed in class useful (or will they be so in the future, after you return home)?

1: I wish I had received copies of the notes used by our instructors. The general outline given at the start was appropriate to inform me of the day’s work, but was not an informational aid. 2: The outline was just that and was useful during the class, but will not be of much use later. I would have benefitted from handouts containing at least an overview of the main points made in each section. 3: Excellent syllabus -- served as guideline to keep us all on track but not so rigid that we could not occasionally diverge. 4-5: Yes. 6: Very useful and appropriate to the topic -- will take time to review in depth. 7-9: Yes. 10: I will use them as reference sources even after the class. 11: Yes -- brief and to the point. 12: Yes.

3)   Was the intellectual level of the course content appropriate?

1: Just right and very flexible. 2: Yes. 3: Excellent -- we’re all managers, although at different levels, but all consummate professionals. 4-7: Yes. 8: Extremely well focused and appropriate. 9: Yes. 10: Yes, without being stuffy as well. 11: Yes. 12: The level of discourse in the class was both theoretical and professional. Many challenging and thought-provoking issues were raised that broadened my appreciation of special collection administration.

4)   If your course had field trips, were they effective?

1: There were excellent opportunities that added a great deal to the class. I wish there had been a visit and / or speaker each day. 2: Yes. 3: Yes -- hearing from library directors and development people helps give another perspective. 4: The visit to the University Librarian’s office was extremely instructive and enjoyable. 5: We visited with the University of Virginia University Librarian, and the library’s development officer came to our class. These were very useful. 6-7: Yes. 8: We made one short field trip -- it was fine, and I would have preferred one more. 9: Yes. 10: I was somewhat disappointed with the speakers, who did not seem prepared. 11: Yes. 12: Very well spent. The session spent seeing the University Librarian was very informative.

5)   What did you like best about the course?

1: The exchange of “real life” experiences between the students balanced with the “experts’” views. The combination nourished both heart and mind. 2: The opportunity to share experiences and problems with and receive feedback from class members and instructors. Also, it was extremely valuable to have the chance to hear MT’s perspective as director and SS’s insight and experience. 3: The instructors and the “bonding” experience with my peers were unforgettable. 4: The chance to compare experience and ideas with peers from diverse institutions. 5: Having the point of view of both a head of special collections and a head of a library on all topics. 6: The intelligence and wide experience of the faculty -- they turned almost every discussion to their teaching needs. 7: Hearing about issues from the perspective of the Library Director. It has made me rethink my relationship with my boss, and the place of Special Collections in my library. 8: Frank and honest discussions -- and the insights of two very experienced people who are also thoughtful and articulate. 9: Practical advice from two experienced professionals. 10: The instructors and interaction with other professionals. 11: The free and frank exchange of experience and ideas. 12: This class is a dialogue with the instructor and fellow students. It promotes a very easy exchange of ideas and intellectual openness. SS and MT are extremely knowledgeable, inspiring, and approachable instructors.

6)   How could the course have been improved?

1: More visits and / or speakers. Copy of notes. It would have been a plus to have been located closer to Alderman. 2: Handouts. Less monopolizing of time by certain class members. 3: Many of the attendees were from much smaller libraries so might be helpful to address issues not necessarily related to large academic institutions. 5: I thought that it got off to a bit of a slow start on Monday, but the rest of the week was great. 6: Have an opportunity for individuals to submit problem situations without attaching a name. 8: One format -- round table group discussion -- was used exclusively. It would have been nice to do some small group case studies also. 9: Perhaps more information on funding projects and professional positions. 10: Maybe a field trip, or film. 11: I think we could have had a field trip to a smaller institution -- the scale was more fitted to some of us than others.

7)   If you attended the Sunday and/or Monday night lectures, were they worth attending?

1: I was a little disappointed in the Monday night lecture. Looking back it was probably due to tiredness, in part. Perhaps this opportunity could be presented later in the week. 2: Yes. 3: Yes -- a little esoteric on Monday night, however. 4: TB’s Sunday night “State of RBS” was inspiring. It made me appreciate the niche RBS fills in continuing education in this field and the value of such an opportunity outside a degree program. 5: Sunday’s was somewhat, but Monday’s was good. Sunday’s dinner was better this year. 6: The Sunday and Monday lectures were interesting and well worth attending. 7: Yes. 8: Didn’t attend Sunday. Monday’s lecture was very good, although the room was not. I would have liked to have questions at the conclusion. 9: N/A. 10: Yes. 11: Both -- I learned some things and I laughed -- that’s what I look for in a speaker. 12: Yes.

8) If you attended Museum Night, was the time profitably spent?

1: N/A. 2: Yes. 4: Yes, although less so than class time. 5: Yes, it was better than before. 8-9: N/A. 10: Yes, especially TB’s lectures on prints and demonstrations. 11: N/A. 12: Museum Night is a remarkable opportunity to explore the material teaching collections of RBS. The physical examples of the subjects of stuff in class make the connection in a compelling fashion.

9)   Did you get your money’s worth? Any final thoughts?

1: Yes -- it was very helpful, instructive, and worthwhile. 2: Yes. 3: I’ll be back -- love the experience. Hope I never get deleted from TB’s list! 4: Absolutely. I hope to return -- I can see that RBS is habit forming. I am new to Charlottesville and UVa and was charmed by both. Notes for Travel and Housing Guide: 1) Good advice on getting to Monticello early. 2) When I checked, Amtrak service is only three days/wk. 3) I had two delicious sandwiches at Jaberwoke, although the service struggled. 5: I very much believe that I have learned many things that I will be able to use in the future. 6: Yes -- I got my money’s worth -- wish I had taken the course years ago -- would have stopped me from making many mistakes. 7: Yes. 8: Yes -- very much got my money’s worth. Take this course early in your career. Perhaps another follow-up course five years on would be good as well. 9: Yes, it was a worthwhile course. 10: More than my money’s worth. It is a very good course for everyone in Special Collections, compared to similar seminars. This course was very thorough. 11: Yes. Don’t be shy. 12: An excellent course for those both long in the field and those just taking on broader administrative duties. The discussion is illuminating.

Number of respondents: 12

Percentages

There were one rare book librarian (9%), six archivist or manuscript librarians (50%), one general librarian with some rare book duties (9%), and four special collections administrators or directors (32%).

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