by Charles Culbreth
Whether the record was recorded on stone tablets or papyrus rolls from the days of Ancient Egypt, printed word such as pages from the Gutenberg Bible, wax cylinders accounting for the first recorded sounds, or film and tape marking the advent of moving picture, it lives on today in the Special Collections Department of the Marriott Library at the University of Utah.
According to Paul Mogren, Ph.D, a librarian for the department, "it is said that the Special Collections area of the University of Utah's library is the State of Utah's single most valuable possession." Dr. Mogren justified this statement by saying that, "many of the items held in this library are one of a kind, many are irreplaceable, and many would be very very expensive to evaluate".
The Marriott library was dedicated May 17, 1968 and the Special Collections has been going since that time. It is made up of rare books, manuscripts, which are individual documents about various topics, a multi media collection which encompasses film, tape and photographic history. The collection also focuses on the history of the University of Utah. The collection is acquired through various means. Some are purchased by the University, some donated, and some bought with private donations.
Many items housed in the department are available digitally and the text has been reprinted, but the department offers the ability to come face-to-face with items housed in the Special Collections. The only exception being film which the department digitizes in house.
The Special Collections Department remains a hidden treasure on the campus of the University of Utah and Dr. Mogren feels that something is lost to those who do not take the time to visit this department. "Some of the material we have is not available any place else. Someones diary from the pioneer period is just here, this is the only place it is in the whole world. It was handwritten once and never reproduced. That is what makes the Special Collections unique."
Its is truly apparent you have found your calling. Your video is sharp and has detailed information for the viewer to digest. Good luck in New York.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add my name to your comment..Germanus Seikaly
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the visual aspect of your post. The photo of the old book gives you an idea of what is contained in the special collections. I also really enjoyed the clarity of your video. Super HD! The only thing i would criticize is that the written portion is a bit short. However, the video makes up with lots of detailed information in only two and a half minutes.
ReplyDelete-Landon Freter
I enjoyed the topic you picked. The information you provided was helpful and made me excited to go in and look at the collection of photographic history. Honestly, I would have never found out about it if it wasn't for you story! I also enjoyed the flow of the story, which is important because it kept me interested. Gilary Almaraz
ReplyDeleteYour slideshow is really informative. The noise of the door opening and other background noises really add to the pictures. Your writting is crisp and adds to the slideshow very well.
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing story! You made a topic, that is normally thought of as boring, come alive. Your video was so intriguing, I want to go check out the special collections for myself! All of the pieces really fit together. Great job!!! - Whitney Saupan
ReplyDeleteThis story was one of my favorites. Well writen, good video with smooth and nice transitions. It was very informative also for us, students of the U. The picture opening it was well chosen too.
ReplyDeleteAh by the way the comment above was made by me, Graziela Schneider. I'm sorry
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