Protecting Access and Materials in Public Library Special Collections

This article highlights a project conducted at the Washingtoniana Division, D.C. Public Library to improve collections security for unique materials. As part of planning for these improvements, staff conducted a survey of similar public library settings and their special-collections practices. Seventy-three surveys were sent to U.S. public libraries, and 47 were completed and returned. Results showed a wide variation in practices, but common concerns included balancing open access with special-collections limitations, and with working with public library communities and users. An appendix details the survey results. The authors contend that special collections in public libraries differ from those in private and/or academic libraries because public library collections must address the mandate for open access. (C) 2005 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.