Negotiating New Borders for Special Collections

Abstract

Special collections administrators face particular challenges as they try to craft an effective mission and strategic policy for what is collectively and commonly called outreach. In the archives profession, outreach is defined as “client-centered or audience-directed activities.” The two terms are used synonymously and assigned a broad compass. The activities can be an exhibition, a published guide, a tour, a conference, a workshop, a speech, any activity, in fact, “that contributes to a greater awareness of archives and what they do.”¹

In the keynote address at the 1998 ACRL President's Program, titled “The Value of Values,” the writer William Gass . . .