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Contents - Special Collections & Archives at UCSC

Instruction with Special Collections & Archives

Special Collections & Archives welcomes student groups to engage in hands-on, experiential learning with our collections. We can arrange class visits in a number of modalities, and we work with faculty to develop meaningful instruction relevant to their wider curriculum.

Instruction sessions include an overview of the collections, care and handling best practices, and an introduction to the representational gaps and elisions intrinsic to institutional collections. 


Planning an Instruction Session

Step 1: Complete the Instruction Request Form.

Please submit this form at least two weeks before your planned class visit. As a rule, earlier is better, as schedules tend to fill well in advance of each new quarter.

Our instructional space can accommodate a maximum of 20 students. If you have a larger class, please plan for multiple visits. 

Step 2: Receive scheduling confirmation from Special Collections & Archives.

The Instruction and Exhibitions Librarian will contact you to confirm our availability.

Step 3: Meet with Special Collections & Archives staff to discuss specifics. 

The I&E Librarian will work with you to schedule a consultation, which can be held in-person or on Zoom. You'll align on planned learning outcomes, instructional materials, and a lesson plan. 

Step 4: Attend the class visit.

Instruction in Special Collections & Archives is a collaborative effort, and to this end, faculty must be present during class visits. 


Preparing for Your Visit

  • Please instruct students to arrive to Special Collections & Archives with clean, dry hands. 
  • Students will be asked to store their bags and heavy coats by the reference desk. 
  • Food and drink are not permitted.
  • Students must only use pencils for note-taking. We can provide the pencils!