Do undergrads use their Special Collections Library?

Question

This is a question for College undergrads. If you use your Special Collections library, why? How did you find it valuable? If no, is there a main reason? How can the Special Collections libraries at your university be made more welcoming for you?

Answer 1

I never used the special collections as an undergrad. I didn't even know our library *had* a special collections room until maybe junior year. Even then, my research was never the kind of thing where I would need to consult a primary source or a rare book, and I was always so busy that I never got the chance to go up there just for fun (which I would have done!). I used interlibrary loan ALL THE TIME, though.

I think a lot of librarians mistakenly give off a really protective growly vibe about special collections. Like if they unlock the door and let you in, you'll touch everything with your grubby hands and throw all the books on the floor. Some kids are jerks like that, but not most of them. I think at my school we had to file for permission days in advance if we wanted to get in special collections, and at that point it's just not worth it.

Answer 2

All I ever used was JSTOR. Why? I live north of Pensacola, Fl. and attended the University of South Alabama in Mobile. Commuting back and forth and maintaining family time and constructing a four bedroom two bath house on ten acres was very taxing. Grabbing a few minutes of computer time was far easier than driving to the library. Love a good library and some of the Librarians were my closest friends at that time. How can S.C.'s libraries be made more welcoming? A short inservice class letting people know what's available and how best to access.