Penn State University Libraries - Special Collections Tutorial

Introduction
This tutorial will give you an overview of how a special collections library is different from a general academic library:

1. We collect primary sources;
2. Our materials don't circulate outside of our reading room; and
3. In addition to books, we house collections of varying sizes and formats.

Then, you will learn about what these differences mean for you as a researcher:

1. You may need to search in multiple places;
2. You may want to plan your research ahead of time; and
3. You will probably have to visit us in person.

Finally, the online photo tour will provide a preview of what you will encounter if you do pay us a visit.

Next >

1. Introduction
2. Primary sources
3. Materials don't circulate
4. Collections vary widely
5. Many ways to search
   -The Cat
   -Finding aids
   -Other sources
6. Plan ahead
   -Subject experts
   -Offsite materials
   -Time-consuming retrieval
7. Visit us in person
8. Tour