Public Services in Special Collections · 19
Survey Questions and Responses
The SPEC survey on Public Services in Special Collections was designed by Florence Turcotte, Research
Services Archivist, and John Nemmers, Descriptive and Technical Services Archivist, Department of
Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida. These results
are based on data submitted by 79 of the 123 ARL member libraries (64%) by the deadline of March 27,
2006. The survey’s introductory text and questions are reproduced below, followed by the response data
and selected comments from the respondents.
Over the past few years there have been a number of surveys examining current practices in Special Collections, as well as
discussion about the need for further data gathering activities. Recent surveys of ARL member libraries have addressed topics
such as security, preservation, digital projects, and hidden collections proposed survey initiatives are directed at collecting data
on the holdings of Special Collections (processed and unprocessed). None of these surveys has focused specifically on issues
related to reference and patron services in Special Collections. However, the manner in which Special Collections provide access
to their holdings is as important as the substance and extent of the holdings they collect. This survey is designed to gather
information pertaining to the provision of reference and related public services for both on- and off-site patrons. Specifically, it
investigates methods of patron access, types of intellectual access tools used, the collection of patron data, reference staffing,
public services offered, the reference interview process, fees for services, and public service evaluation and promotion methods.
Special Collections have been defined as library materials that, in addition to supporting research, are often characterized by
artifactual and monetary value, by uniqueness or rarity, and by a long-term preservation and access commitment on the part
of the library. This normally excludes general collections characterized by format (e.g., nonprint or microforms departments) or
by subject specialization. For the purposes of this survey, the phrase Special Collections also refers to the department, unit, or
library that collects and manages those materials.
Survey Questions and Responses
The SPEC survey on Public Services in Special Collections was designed by Florence Turcotte, Research
Services Archivist, and John Nemmers, Descriptive and Technical Services Archivist, Department of
Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida. These results
are based on data submitted by 79 of the 123 ARL member libraries (64%) by the deadline of March 27,
2006. The survey’s introductory text and questions are reproduced below, followed by the response data
and selected comments from the respondents.
Over the past few years there have been a number of surveys examining current practices in Special Collections, as well as
discussion about the need for further data gathering activities. Recent surveys of ARL member libraries have addressed topics
such as security, preservation, digital projects, and hidden collections proposed survey initiatives are directed at collecting data
on the holdings of Special Collections (processed and unprocessed). None of these surveys has focused specifically on issues
related to reference and patron services in Special Collections. However, the manner in which Special Collections provide access
to their holdings is as important as the substance and extent of the holdings they collect. This survey is designed to gather
information pertaining to the provision of reference and related public services for both on- and off-site patrons. Specifically, it
investigates methods of patron access, types of intellectual access tools used, the collection of patron data, reference staffing,
public services offered, the reference interview process, fees for services, and public service evaluation and promotion methods.
Special Collections have been defined as library materials that, in addition to supporting research, are often characterized by
artifactual and monetary value, by uniqueness or rarity, and by a long-term preservation and access commitment on the part
of the library. This normally excludes general collections characterized by format (e.g., nonprint or microforms departments) or
by subject specialization. For the purposes of this survey, the phrase Special Collections also refers to the department, unit, or
library that collects and manages those materials.
