There’s been tiresome but necessary debate over the future of printed textbooks in our growing digital age. In an attempt to save money and time, more students than ever are choosing digital versions of textbooks over printed copies. Because of this, the presence of physical libraries is debatable. But the extinction of physical libraries, especially campus libraries, will prove more harmful than we know. I discovered this in a trip to a largely unknown place on our campus, hidden on the eighth floor of Library South: Special Collections and Archives.
I first set out to talk for a few moments with our library’s staff. When the staff members at the front desk learned about my topic, they directed me to the eighth floor of Library South. The eighth floor, I thought. Who ever goes there? I’d never been to the eighth floor of Library South, or any floor past the third in the entire University Library for that matter. So, a fog of mystery seemed to permeate the atmosphere on my journey there.
The proceeding half hour would alter even my perception of our library.
The fog of mystery only seemed to grow when I opened the fragile wooden doors to Special Collections and Archives. Upon entering, I was met with portrait-filled walls and glass-encased valuables. The space could be likened to a museum and the feeling I had could easily be likened to that of a tourist in foreign lands.
I met with archival associate Hilary J. Morrish. “Sometimes, I feel like nobody knows that we’re here.” She began. And she was right. Following the interview, I asked several fellow friends if they had been aware of Special Collections and Archives and I received an unanimous no. I followed her cry with an inquiry about their purpose. Special Collections and Archives is home to primary sources which are original materials, some dating back for centuries. “We have essential documents, one of a kind!” She said. “Yes, we have rare books, but we also have one-of-a-kind primary materials like people’s papers and they’re not duplicated. Nobody else has them.” And she was right. The archival space held things that couldn’t be found anywhere else in the nation, ranging from original papers of women activists during ERA (Equal Rights Amendment) to original, 20th century LPs.
Along with several other documents, Morrish shared with me an original letter from civil rights leader and U.S. representative John Lewis. Although generations apart, I never felt more connected to the Civil Rights Movement. “That connectivity is very exciting to me.” she said.
These primary sources offer more than a sentimental connection between student and past however. They are vital to our research and, subsequently, a more informed knowledge of things. Morrish made this evident when she informed me that a students may get an opinion on a subject matter from other people’s books but, with a primary source, they’re getting it “straight from the horse’s mouth.” And as a research university, these unfiltered sources are key. “Every great research university has a great research library. And that’s what we are. We are the heart of the university,” she said.
But with the growing push for the digitization of printed pieces, I wondered what would come of Special Collections and Archives. Surprisingly, Morrish was in favor of digitization and for good reason.
“I think digitization is wonderful. What’s wonderful about it is we can protect the original documents. But we need the originals.” Morrish said.
It is this cooperative outlook on this controversial issue that will help preserve the library.
Ultimately, however, the preservation of our campus library relies on our acknowledgement of its value. Many of us, like myself, were not aware of the treasure that sits unburied on the eighth floor. Upon discovering this we, as students, are obligated to spread the word. We have an obligation not only to the to the past which informs the future but to ourselves as keepers of the future.
