Special Collections

This is interesting on how libraries select objects...from Laura Micham

Dear Dana,

Thanks so much for your kind offer of these items. We don’t normally seek objects like gloves or lace as they tend to have less research value than writings on various kinds. In other words, the meaning and significance of objects for historical projects of the kind that are generally done by our researchers is not as great as that of commonplace books, letters, diaries, and other archival materials that we hold. We do have some artifacts in our collections but relatively few. They tend to be difficult to house and preserve relative to the amount of use they receive. The same is true for bibles. Family bibles are sometimes kept by historical societies if they contain significant genealogical material, but not for the bible as an object in and of itself. If Birdie’s bible contains genealogical information I would be grateful to have scans of it or could make scans myself and return the book to you.

I gave you the slightly long-winded explanation because you’re a fellow librarian and have a wonderful curiosity about the Bingham Center and Rubenstein Library. I thought you might be interested in how we make some of our appraisal decisions. We continue to be thrilled to have the opportunity to preserve and provide access to Birdie’s commonplace/autograph book!