RaD Instruction Sessions and Policies
For the Fall 2023 semester, the CU Boulder Libraries’ Rare and Distinctive Collections (RaD) will offer two types of instruction for classes: project-based learning sessions and orientations to searching for and working with RaD materials. Due to staffing and space constraints, we prioritize project-based requests that ask students to synthesize primary sources or other RaD materials for a defined, course-integrated outcome.
Project-Based Sessions: We are advocates for student engagement and success, and support creative uses of our collections in project-based learning assignments accordingly. We are happy to meet and brainstorm ideas. Examples of projects may include:
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Exhibit curation
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Digital humanities projects
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Community engagement
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Transcription, translation, or annotation
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Creative writing or art projects
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Group research projects or in-class presentation projects
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Hands-on workshops, particularly those related to book binding, book structure, woodblock printing or letterpress printing
Short orientations (15-20 minutes) may be useful prior to the class meeting in the library to engage in project-based assignments.
Orientations: Orientations introduce students to primary sources and research related to RaD materials. Orientations often take place either in the course’s regularly scheduled classroom or a library instruction room and last 15-20 minutes. The objective is to help students learn how to locate, request, access, and use primary sources. Staffing and space permitting, orientations can be paired with an active-learning activity (such as a worksheet) in the RaD classroom using rare and primary source materials related to the class.
RaD Instruction Policies
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We aim to accommodate all requests, within the limits of our scheduling and staffing capabilities. Priority is given to classes centered around well-defined projects that effectively integrate into course objectives. This ensures students are able to engage with rare materials or primary sources in meaningful ways.
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The instructor of record must be present for class sessions in the RaD classroom.
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Requests must be made at least 3 weeks in advance.
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If either the instructor of record for the course or the assigned RaD instructor is out due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances, we will do our best to reschedule.
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When requesting a class session, please contact us at rad@colorado.edu to communicate learning objectives and send relevant documents (syllabi, project ideas, etc.). Rare and Distinctive Collections’ staff will schedule a meeting with you (in-person or virtual) to discuss learning outcomes, craft a list of relevant material, and schedule a class date.
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Prior to the session, please spend time in class providing context to your students regarding session expectations, including: why the class is scheduled to meet in the RaD classroom, what the visit entails, a short overview of RaD policies, and a review of students’ learning goals and assignment.
