Item Level Access to Special Collections:

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONResearchers increasingly rely on electronic access to information which in an earlier time woulti have been available only through tcdious searclies. Online catalogs describe the availability of books and journals, and CD-ROM and mainframe-mounted i~iciexes provide access to specific contetits. Very little has bccn done, however, to provide a standardized online indexing system for special collections. Sophisticated library users are asked to cope with a confusing array of card files, inventory records, and collectiori registers. All too often, tlicse cumbersome finding aids fail because of inaclequate indexes.No paper record can be created to anticipate the variety of questions poscd by special collections users. A theatre historian asks for information on Israeli productions of Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. A textiles scholar seeks to document African-American qi~ilters through nineteenth century photographs. A design stiident needs to see sheet music covers by John Held, Jr. for a class project. The campus gallery inquires about graphic materials which might be available for an exhibit on women in sports. A book publisher wants political cartoons depicting thc Statue of Liberty. The information needs which can be met by special collections