The Special Collections Handbook, Third Edition is a comprehensive
desk reference providing the essential principles, skills, and knowledge
to manage special collections in any setting and covering all aspects of
special collections work: preservation; developing collections;
understanding objects; emergency planning; security; legal and ethical
concerns; cataloguing; digitisation; marketing; outreach; teaching;
impact; advocacy, and fundraising. This new edition has been revised and
updated to incorporate the many developments in the field, reflecting
the growth and dynamism of the sector and the complexity of the
environment in which we operate. This will include:
- Enriched and updated guidance on decolonising collections management
and all other elements of special collections work
- working towards zero-carbon buildings, preservation, and other aspects
of special collections work
- lessons/impact of Covid-19: managing remote access by staff and users,
emergency planning, health and safety, risk assessments
- new legislation affecting special collections, notably in the UK the
Data Protection Act 2018
- new and revised standards, such as the new British Standards relating
to collections care, BS EN 16893 and BS 4971, which replace PD5454
- new and emerging technologies in collections discovery, digitisation,
digital resource and digital libraries, and how to manage them and
build capacity. Particular attention will be paid to the implications
of the 'digital shift' and the place of special collections in online
and hybrid learning.
Comprehensive and written in a highly accessible manner, The Special
Collections Handbook, Third Edition will be an essential resource for
staff working with special collections in a wide range of settings,
including academia, public libraries, religious organisations, museums,
and at scales from solo librarians to 'nationals'.
