What is a special collection in a college library?
A special collection is a group of items, such as rare books or documents, that are either irreplaceable or unusually rare and valuable. For this reason special collections are stored separately from the regular library collections in a secure location with environmental controls to preserve the items for posterity.
Can anyone go to USC library?
The general public may use the libraries and our spaces for academic and research-related purposes when resources are not in use by or reserved for USC students, faculty, staff, alumni, or other members of the USC community.
What is the oldest object in USC’s special collection?
Q. What is the oldest object in Special Collections? A. The oldest object is a fossilized mastodon bone from the La Brea Tar Pits that is at least 10,000 years old.
What’s so special about special collections?
In contrast to general (or circulating) libraries, the uniqueness of special collections means that they are not easily replaced (if at all) and therefore require a higher level of security and handling. When such security fails, it can be catastrophic.
Why are special collections important?
WHAT ARE SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AND WHY SHOULD WE BUILD THEM? We should build special collections for purposes of preservation, research, and teaching. It is important to preserve rare and valuable materials in formats that will remain accessible to scholars and other researchers.
Can I check out books at USC library?
Reserve books, chargers, & adapters Reserve books may be checked out 4 hours before library closing, due 1 hour after library opening the next day. Renew once through Health Sciences Catalog, at library Loan Desk, or at (323) 442-1116.
Are USC Libraries open to public?
Q: Are USC Libraries buildings open? A: Yes, the libraries are open for study, research, research assistance, and checking out materials.
Does USC have a library?
USF’s largest and most comprehensive library provides access to over two million academic journals, databases, and books, and research assistance for students and faculty. The Library’s Learning Commons offers high-tech study space, the SMART Lab, the Office For Undergraduate Research, tutoring, and the Writing Center.
Who are the users of special library?
They have users which include engineers, city planners, contractors, academic researchers, and the general public. They provide resources related to policy, regulations, operations, and other aspects of transportation. Museum libraries are found in museums.
What is Special Collections at USC?
Overview Special Collections at the University of Southern California oversees the university’s primary source collections including archives, manuscripts, historic photographs, and rare books. The department holds more than 200,000 volumes, more than 1000 archival collections, and more than 2 million photographs.
How do I donate rare books to USC Libraries?
After registering for an account, you will be able to request items online directly from USC’s online catalog and our online finding aids. If you are interested in donating rare books, manuscripts, or archives to USC Libraries, please contact John Juricek, Collections Strategist, [email protected].
How do I make a specialized research collections request?
Go to our Specialized Research Collections Request page and register for a free account in our online request service. This online system allows you to make requests for materials, track the progress of your requests and plan your visits to our reading rooms anywhere anytime.