Assignments involving archival research...
You can contact Alex Boucher directly to
taboucher@ua.edu / 348-6390
Your subject liaison can also help you identify databases and other library resources with primary sources. You can find them in the UA Libraries staff directory.
These activities/goals can be accomplished in a large group setting (i.e., with a whole class):
This can best be accomplished in smaller groups, one-on-one consultations, or individual return trips:
Remember that you can plan more than one visit, especially if you'd like whole group instruction + time for individual or group research or an analysis activity. In particular, that second visit can be done less formally, with individuals or groups coming to the library on their own; someone is always at the reference desk to help them.
The document below explains the kinds of learning outcomes we're prepared to address:
We have a couple of new tutorials available to acquaint your students with Hoole Library before the class makes a visit.
Both tutorials give them the opportunity to send an email confirmation to themselves or you, so that you can use the exercise for extra credit or a daily grade.
Is your class focused on American history? Or do you just want to acquaint students with special collections and aren't picky about what kind of cool things they see? Consider bringing your class to the A. S. Williams III Americana Collection, located in Gorgas Library 301.
The Williams Collection has the same basic policies and can serve as a fine introduction to working with our archives. Encompassing primary and secondary sources, it is more narrowly focused than Hoole, specializing in early American history; U.S. Presidential history; and Southern history, literature, and culture. For more information on the Williams Collection, check out its LibGuide.
If you're not sure whether Hoole or Williams would be the most pertinent to your needs, feel free to contact us and ask! Instruction in both places is done by Kate Matheny. You can also contact Williams staff directly at specialcollections@ua.edu.