The Archives & Special Collections COI is focused on the role that archives and special collections play in academic libraries through their curation of distinctive collections, documentation and management of institutional histories, engagement with teaching, learning, and research activities, and involvement in other core library functions. The COI is a learning and sharing community, serving as a forum for members to network, share information, engage in discussion, and act on issues of importance to archives and special collections.

The ASC COI is open to collaboration with other COIs, and BLC member library staff are welcome to participate in ASC COI meetings and activities. Please join the COI mailing list to receive notifications and join in discussions.

Some of the ASC COI’s recent initiatives include:

• active learning with special collections
• digital preservation tools and practices
• sharing special collections via interlibrary loan

Membership

The Archives & Special Collections COI is open to archivists, librarians, digitization and digital preservation specialists, and other BLC member library staff who share an interest in archives and special collections and their related issues. 

Meetings

The Archives & Special Collections COI meets virtually at least twice per year, and generally convenes in person once a year for a longer meeting or workshop at a member institution. Such occasions typically include a luncheon and tour of a BLC member institution’s archives and special collections facilities.