In my presentation, I will focus on describing the social and educational impact that special collections can have on both the academic and non-academic communities. I will use at least one case study from McGill University, in which I was directly involved, revolving around a collection of Japanese prints (specifically ukiyo-e) and other related material, including books. This particular case study is important because there is growing interest in this collection, from professors arranging class visits and full lectures involving this material, to organizing public events, including public lectures and exhibitions, that have drawn a large crowd to the Rare Books and Special Collections Department.

Special collections, such as the one mentioned above, have the power to attract academic interest and offer research opportunities, due to several factors: presence of publisher’s seals, censorship seals (the prints were made in Edo Period Japan), color, color blends, types of dye used, stylistic aspects, multiple functions of the print (cultural or entertainment value, but also promotional material advertising kabuki theatres or the garment industry, for example). This particular collection also appeals to lovers of Japanese and East Asian culture who might not come from an academic background, and to the broader public in general.

Therefore, this case study proves that special collections, if promoted in the right circumstances and to the appropriate audiences, have the power to garner a lot of attention, a lot of interest, and are, at the end of the day, used. One of the most important actions that a book collection can undergo is to be used, appreciated and valued, for academic or non-academic purposes. This kind of exposure also has outreach potential, which of course is very important for libraries. Any curator would accept opportunities for external funding to support acquisition in certain fields and collections.

In conclusion, my talk will revolve around the use of special collections as means to promote a subject (and the library) to a variety of audiences, academic and non-academic alike. My talk will further touch upon important aspects of a curator’s role, including collection development, outreach, and community engagement. Successful curators would need to be flexible and know how to highlight the collections to the right audiences, in order to capitalize on the potential of such important educational resources. At the end of the day, collections must be brought to life, showcased, shared and enjoyed, and made accessible through events such as classes, events and exhibitions.