Today the archives played host to Project Success students as they embarked on a scavenger hunt through the William C. Jason Library. In addition to exploring the computer labs and second floor services, the students were challenged to locate the archives department and identify two collections maintained by the archives. At the end of the hunt, it is hoped that the students learned to navigate the library and have a better understanding of library and tutoring services.
Faculty, if I may, allow me to encourage you to build an archives orientation into your coursework. Obviously as an archivist I am biased, but I think we can all agree that the ability to navigate and conduct original research is a cornerstone of collegiate education. I am more than happy to invite your class into the archives or else visit your classroom to give an archives orientation. The white-glove environment is often intimidating to first time researchers when it should be more like an adventure. If given the opportunity, I can allay these fears and give student scholars the ability to tackle original research in the university archives or any other archival repository.
As you begin to play for the next academic year, please don't hesitate to let me know how I can assist your class. Whether it's a freshmen seminar, historic methods or any other subject, I'm happy to help. Reach me at rscherry@desu.edu or 302-857-6130.
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