Breaking the ‘Ice’: Using a Sword to Slay Patron Anxiety in Special Collections

Authors

  • Jeremy Brett Texas A&M University
  • Jennifer Reibenspies Texas A&M University
  • Pilar Baskett Texas A&M University

Keywords:

Outreach, special collections, popular culture, library anxiety

Abstract

This paper describes demonstrated success by one special collections library in reducing among members of its patron population feelings of anxiety and reluctance endemic to people encountering a special collections library environment for the first time. Reading Room staff use a collection of replica weapons with origins in the immensely popular fantasy universe of George R.R. Martin, to create an open and welcoming atmosphere. Artifacts of popular culture become gateways through which patrons pass feeling more ready to engage with special collections materials. This successful process provides a useful example to institutions looking for successful outreach efforts of their own.

      

Author Biographies

Jeremy Brett, Texas A&M University

Jeremy Brett is the Processing Archivist as well as the Curator of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Research Collection at Cushing Memorial Library & Archives, Texas A&M University.

Jennifer Reibenspies, Texas A&M University

Jennifer Reibenspies is a Library Specialist II and member of the Reading Room staff at Cushing Memorial Library & Archives, Texas A&M University.

Pilar Baskett, Texas A&M University

Pilar Baskett is a Library Specialist II and member of the Reading Room staff at Cushing Memorial Library & Archives, Texas A&M University.

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Published

2017-09-22

Issue

Section

Articles