The University Library.

Curious Resources: the National Fairground Archive Experience

Clare Scott / Ian Trowell - University of Sheffield Library

20/04/23

The University Library.

Curious Resources - linking the National Fairground Archive with teaching and research at the University of Sheffield

• Pre-existing situation and relationships

• Motivations

• The process (and setbacks)

• The solution and outcomes

20/04/23

The University Library.

Faculty of ArtsEnglish History

LanguagesBiblical Studies

ArchaeologyPhilosophy

Music

University Library

Special Collections

National Fairground Archive

The Public including the local community

Established Liaison via the Learning Research Services Team

Faculty Librarian for Arts & Humanities

The University Library.

Motivations

• Austerity budgeting (books, ILL)

• The ‘primary source’ experience

• The ‘long tail’ of unique and distinctive collections - attracting PGTs and PGRs

• Special Collections - good links

• NFA - poor awareness in University?

20/04/23

The University Library.

The process (& setbacks)

• Scoping, planning, targeting

• Meetings - focussed resources to match interests, lateral discussion, documentation

• Not all interests pursued

• Setbacks

20/04/23

The University Library.

Solution & outcomes

• Scaffolding - ‘Sheffield Jungle’ project proposed

• Combining purposes creates worthwhile outcomes

• Feedback loops - 3 examples

20/04/23

The University Library.

Conclusion

• Success will be varied (and not predictable)

• Keep revisiting potential links, look out for new curriculum areas

• Artistic ways and methods - they think differently

• Scaffolding will get results

20/04/23