The goal of archival instruction sessions taught by Special Collections faculty is to give students the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively and efficiently find, interpret, and use archives, manuscripts, and other types of unique primary sources. In addition to these archival literacy competencies, registration, proper handling of materials, research techniques, search strategies, intellectual property principles, and reproduction policies are highlighted.
Our sessions are tailored to the needs of particular classes or special interest groups and serve as an introduction to highlights from the holdings of both the College of Charleston and the South Carolina Historical Society related to a course topic. Special Collections archivists can also give informational seminars intended for departmental faculty and staff who wish to incorporate primary source materials into their course work.
After an archives instruction session, students will be able to:
If you would like to arrange for an instruction session, please contact our Research Services Coordinator, Mary Jo Fairchild. Special Collections appreciates at least two weeks notice to arrange for instruction.
The Special Collections and SC Historical Society archives reading room and service desk are located on the third floor of the Addlestone Library. Our service desk is staffed by professional archivists and librarians at all times. Patrons are welcome to contact the Research Services Coordinator for consultation on sources related to their topic of interest in advance of visiting.
While the majority of our holdings are not open for public browsing, retrieval of materials by our staff usually takes only a matter of minutes. Upon arrival, patrons are asked to register and to abide by rules to safeguard and preserve our holdings.
Additional information about hours, location, and visiting can be found on the Special Collections' website.
