On January 25, the University Libraries hosted “Fine and Rare IV: Inside CMU Libraries’ Special Collections.” At the virtual event, Curator of Special Collections Sam Lemley introduced recently acquired items in the collections. A recording of the event is now available.
As a whole, Special Collections is envisioned as an interdisciplinary workshop where humanistic modes of inquiry combine with innovative tools to study historical technologies, books, and artifacts. The diverse and valuable collections fuel transformative exhibitions, groundbreaking research, and other programs that bring students, scholars, and members of the public into Special Collections and CMU’s Libraries.
In “Fine and Rare IV,” Lemley shared newly acquired objects and books from the Libraries' collection of rare books, artifacts, early scientific instruments, and calculating machines. Attendees learned about areas of collection strength, ongoing research, and instructional programs in Special Collections. They also received a sneak peek at exciting future plans.
“It's a privilege to share objects and books that I've acquired recently for the collection, particularly because most of these acquisitions have been made possible by donor support,” Lemley said. “I view the fourth installment of Fine and Rare as an opportunity to thank the community for that support and to share a bit about what I've been up to to grow and evolve the collection.”
If you enjoyed this event, please consider supporting the Libraries with a gift to the Special Collections Acquisition Fund. Your donations fund acquisitions that make possible transformative exhibitions, research, and other programs that bring students, scholars, and members of the public into Special Collections and the Libraries.