Should rare book and special collections libraries limit access to the books, manuscripts, and artifacts in their care? If so, how so? How should we balance our mission to provide access to the collections by researchers and students with our responsibilities to preserve the collections for future generations? Our panel of librarians will discuss this issue from several perspectives. We look forward to a lively discussion!

The WRBG enjoys organizing these panel discussions in our Shop-Talk Series, bringing working rare book librarians together to discuss current topics in the field. Always timely, often riveting – all members welcome, please join us!

Panel members will include

• Doug McElrath, Director of Special Collections at University of Maryland College Park
• Amanda Zimmerman, Reference Librarian at Library of Congress
• Michele Silverman Louis B. Thalheimer Associate Librarian for Researcher Services at the Folger Library
• Morgan Black, Librarian at the United States Naval Observatory

Lesley Parilla, Chief Librarian at the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon, will moderate the event.

RSVP here

Directions: The event will be held in the Smithsonian’s Natural History Main Library, which is in non-public space. We will gather in the National Museum of Natural History (10th & Constitution Ave. NW) at 11:45 a.m. in the ground-floor Constitution Avenue lobby. (If you come in by the Mall doors with the elephant in the rotunda, go down one floor). There we will distribute visitor badges and make our way as an escorted group to the library. Please be on time! Once the group(s) go up to the library, you will not be able to get in on your own.

Note: Parking near the Museum is extremely limited. We advise taking the Metro: Smithsonian or Federal Triangle stops on the orange, blue, and silver lines, or Archives/Navy Memorial on the yellow and green lines.

Box lunches can be purchased for the event. Options are listed below ($20.00), and all include chips, fruit, cookie, and water.

• Signature House Roasted Turkey, Crushed Avocado, Tomato and Lime Mojo Mayonnaise
• Italian Sub, Prosciutto, Ham, Salami, Provolone, Sweet Peppers Relish and Arugula
• Falafel Wrap, Cucumber, Pickled Radish and Tahini Sauce (Vegan)

Please indicate your sandwich choice when you register. If you chose to order a boxed lunch, please bring cash or a check to the event.