by Rachel Makarowski and Ginny Boehme
Outside examinations of the history of science, special collections instruction traditionally caters to the humanities, leaving a notable gap of representation for and from STEM disciplines. This case study examines the collaboration between a special collections librarian and a science librarian for the special collections instruction session in a STEM-oriented first-year research experience course. Students in the class learned how to examine historical primary sources and how to address the challenges of working with these types of materials to fully incorporate them into current research. The study addresses the successful aspects of this initial class visit, how it will be improved and more directly tied to the course in the next iteration, and how the objectives of the session can be applied at other institutions to help expand STEM-related special collections instruction.
Access: FYRE in Special Collections: Exploring Scientific History in a First-Year Research Experience Course