Overview of Scarce Publications and Unique Archives
Princeton University's Department of Rare Books and Special Collections (RBSC) is a treasure trove for historians and researchers, housing a vast array of unique and significant items spanning five millennia and five continents [1]. With around 300,000 rare or significant printed works, the RBSC offers a wealth of information waiting to be discovered [2].
Preparing for Your Visit
To access the RBSC, you will need a valid Princeton ID or a special Rare Books access card. Registration for visiting the RBSC is required and can be done online [3]. It is recommended to request materials ahead of time, as it can take up to two days for materials to be sent from off-site storage to the Reading Room.
Navigating the RBSC
Locating relevant materials in the RBSC can be a challenging task due to the two types of databases: core databases and subject-specific databases. The core databases contain all or most of the material in the RBSC and are more useful for most research projects [4]. The main RBSC Catalog covers all of the RBSC printed materials, maps, and graphic art, while the Library Finding Aids provide more detailed information about each object in the collections [5].
Finding relevant materials may require bouncing between the two databases and experimenting with search terms. Utilize the finding aids available—these detailed guides describe the contents of archival collections and can help you identify relevant materials for your research [6].
Using the RBSC Reading Room
The RBSC Reading Room is located in Firestone, but many RBSC materials are kept off-site at the Mudd Manuscript Library or RECAP. Laptops, phones, pencils, and notebooks are allowed in the Reading Room, but bags are not. Pens are not permitted [7].
Materials are not allowed to leave the Reading Room. The librarian on duty will bring your material into the Reading Room when you arrive, and will return the material to the shelf when you leave [8]. Lockers are available on the C-Floor for storing personal items before signing in.
Preserving Rare Books and Manuscripts
To preserve rare books and manuscripts during your research, adhere strictly to any safe handling policies set by the department. Plan your visit in advance to ensure availability and appointment scheduling if needed [9]. For specific types of materials, such as Islamic manuscripts or art-related items, Princeton offers detailed LibGuides that explain how to search and access these collections effectively [10].
Seeking Assistance
RBSC librarians are available for consultations to help with research questions [11]. Whether you're searching for Beethoven's music manuscripts, Woodrow Wilson's love letters, or John Wilkes Booth's first "Wanted" poster, the RBSC is a valuable research resource that is sure to enrich your scholarly pursuits.
- For your junior paper focusing on education-and-self-development, consider utilizing Princeton University's Department of Rare Books and Special Collections (RBSC) as a resource for learning from unique and significant items spanning history, including online-education materials.
- As you prepare to delve into the vast array of resources available at the RBSC, consider attending workshops or tutorials on effective online learning strategies to maximize your use of rare books and manuscripts for your research resources.
