Special Collections and University Archives instruction

We are pleased to support the educational goals of the University of Nevada, Reno instructional faculty. On this page you will find information about the spaces we have for class visits, some primary source lesson plan templates, and a form for requesting instruction sessions. Please make requests at least two weeks in advance.

View of the Vault classroom with tables and two large screens at the front of the room.

What we offer

Choose from our lesson plan templates, or we can work with you to develop a customized lesson. Each of the templates includes an introduction to Special Collections and University Archives and a hands-on activity to help students learn about primary source research.

Choose one of our lesson templates or work with us on a custom experience

  • Introduction to Special Collections and University Archives

    A short overview of the collections and how to use them.

  • Introduction to Primary Source Analysis

    Students learn how to critically examine a primary source using a guided worksheet.

  • Multisensory Material Culture

    Students practice exploring historical items beyond the text written in or on them.

  • Correct Me!

    Students learn about how resources are described and practice catching errors in metadata.

  • Art as Primary Source

    Students study art and poetry as creative interpretations of an event or historical context.

  • Mind the Gap: Archival Silences

    Students are invited to think carefully about what is missing from the historical record. We can bring this lesson to you!

Interested in booking an instruction session?

Request a session
Postcard of Panoramic View of Reno, Nevada. View looking south with Riverside Hotel second from right. Published by Pacific Novelty Company, ca. 1905. Special Collections and University Archives Department, UNRS-P0500-6.

Our teaching spaces

All lessons other than Book Arts will now take place in the Vault Studio, MIKC 104. It has a large, ceiling-mounted document camera and two projection screens as well as a standard learning podium.

Book Arts classes will remain in the Special Collections and University Archives reading room, MIKC 308, so the students can peruse the artists’ book collection shelved there.

Frequently asked questions

Guidelines

  • Please prepare your students for working with archival materials. Food and drink of all kinds are strictly prohibited, including water bottles. Any that comes into our learning spaces will have to be stored in cubbies or lockers for the duration of the class.
  • Pencils and electronic devices only. Cubbies and coat hooks are provided for personal belongings.
  • We rarely use gloves for archival materials, so students should come with clean, dry hands.
  • Devices are strongly recommended so students can practice searching through finding aids for extra information about the physical materials.
  • We also encourage our faculty to explore two documents created by two of our national professional organizations, the Association of College and Research Libraries’ Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education and the Guidelines for Primary Source Literacy, created jointly by ACRL’s Rare Books and Manuscripts Section and the Society of American Archivists. These help us collaborate with you to create an effective and enjoyable learning experience for your students.
  • Instructors or TAs must attend with their classes.
  • For 50-75 minute classes, choose one lesson. Longer classes should choose up to two. All lessons longer than 50 minutes include the introduction to SCUA, unless otherwise requested.
Portrait of Elspeth Olson.

Interested in learning more?

If you have questions, please contact Elspeth Olson, Outreach and Public Services Archivist.