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Business as Usual? Special Collections as a Microcosm of the World
May 28-30
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
This interactive unconference is designed to bring together special collections librarians, archivists, digital curators, and cultural heritage professionals to discuss the evolving role of special collections. From navigating grant funding organizations to fostering donor relations and outreach efforts, this event will explore the challenges and opportunities of making special collections more accessible and relevant to patrons.
Rather than formal presentations, this unconference will prioritize two days of interactive discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and networking opportunities. Sessions will begin with brief introductions to key themes, followed by participant-driven breakout discussions where attendees can share experiences, strategies, and solutions. The optional final day, May 30, attendees will travel to DC for a cultural excursion to the National Mall and a group outing to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.
By the end of this gathering, we hope to establish actionable insights and best practices that can guide institutions in strengthening their roles within their communities while preserving and enhancing their collections for future generations.
Conference Program
Updated 5/23
Primary location: Main Reading Room, Fenwick Library, George Mason University
| Wednesday, May 28 | |
| 9:00 am | Registration and Muffin Service (provided) |
| 9:20 am | Tours of George Mason Special Collections |
| 10:15 am | Welcome and Kickoff |
| 11:00 am | Burnout and Abundance in the Workplace | Elaina Norlin, ASERL |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch and Learn (provided) | Sponsored by Coherent Digital |
| 1:00 pm | Wellness Break: Movement and Stillness
Take a walk on a beautiful garden walk to invigorate and refresh, or join us for zine-making and quiet restoration. |
| 1:30 pm | Breakout Discussions: |
| Donors Relations in Unusual Times | Brittany Newberry (Georgia State) and Cristina Favretto (University of Miami)
Although library school programs often do not offer training on donor relations strategies, methodologies, and ethics, this is an important aspect of the job of any Special Collections professional. This session will focus on sharing actionable and practical ideas, questions, concerns and positive stories about dealing with donors, advancement professionals, and the expectations of our institutions and communities in regards to gifts of collections and funds. |
|
| Ethics and Expression in Special Collections | Jennifer Daugherty (East Carolina University) and Carol McAuliffe (University of Florida)
How can materials be ethically collected when institutional values, policies, or mandates shift rapidly during periods of uncertainty? How have you had to adjust the way you talk about your work and approach events, exhibits, and other outreach? |
|
| Ensuring Our Collections Reflect Our Communities | Ximena Valdivia (Florida International University) and Laura Micham (Duke)
How do we move beyond traditional donor relations, cataloging, and description to address the limitations of current archival systems? This session will consider ways of re-examining our strategies to build trust with potential donors, articulate the repository’s mission, and describe materials in ways that prioritize the needs, values, and input of local communities. |
|
| 3:00 pm | Report Out and Day-End Wrap-Up |
| 5:00 pm | Happy Hour Reception at Oh George! |
| Thursday, May 29 | |
| 8:30 am | Continental Breakfast |
| 9:00 am |
Breakout Discussions: |
| Fundraising and Advancement | Dierdre Scaggs (University of Kentucky) and Gregory Schmidt (Auburn University)
Fundraising and advancement teams play a vital role in supporting special collections, though their donor priorities may at times conflict with departmental policies. Special collections leaders must navigate these tensions to align departmental, institutional, and donor interests. This session will explore strategies, challenges, and successful examples of building productive relationships with advancement teams. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences, including successes, compromises, and lessons learned. |
|
| Connecting Special Collections with the Institution | Kathelene Smith (UNC Greensboro) and Jason Byrd (University of Alabama at Birmingham)
Special collections departments operate within larger library organizations as well as their parent institutions. Special collections departments must manage their own funding priorities and strategic goals, and build successful programming, collecting, and outreach while supporting the goals and priorities of the larger institutions in which they reside. This session will consider the challenges, successes, strategies, and accomplishments of session participants in building stronger relationships outward. |
|
| Special Topics to be determined by attendees | Aaron Pahl (University of Alabama at Birmingham)
Is there a question you were hoping to discuss when you signed up for this conference, but it hasn’t been addressed yet? Did you attend a session that inspired a topic you want to explore in more detail? Did a one-on-one conversation lead to a great question you want to explore with a larger group? This session is your opportunity to explore those ideas and topics. |
|
| 10:20 am | Brief Breakout Report Outs |
| 10:40 am | Break |
| 11:00 am | Panel Discussion: Advancement, Fundraising, and Special Collections | Adrena Ifill (Historic and Cultural Preservation Strategist) and Kendra Brown (George Mason University); moderated by Jason Byrd (University of Alabama at Birmingham) |
| 12:15 pm | Lunch and Learn (provided) | Sponsored by AM |
| 1:30 pm | Documenting Protest: Photojournalism, Charlottesville, and the Story of Us | Eze Amos |
| 2:30 pm | Breakout report outs and closing session |
| 3:30 pm | End of day |
| Friday, May 30 (optional) | |
| 10:00 am |
Tour of the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC |
Thanks to our Sponsors!
SPONSORS 
About George Mason University
George Mason’s primary campus is located in the City of Fairfax, Virginia. The campus, on 677 wooded acres, is just 20 miles from downtown Washington, D.C.. It is home to most of our undergraduate student population, with more than 6,000 students living in 40 residence halls on campus.
Transportation and Parking:
George Mason is located 20 miles from DC. Getting to campus from DC area airports is easy using Uber or Lyft. Public transit is available via the Sandy Creek/Vienna Metro stop on the Orange and Blue lines, connecting by bus or rideshare. Shuttles are available to GMU campus ID holders.
Getting to Campus from the Airport
From DCA: For individuals who are flying into Reagan National Airport (DCA) who want to use the metro, take the blue line from DCA to Foggy Bottom-GWU, transfer to the orange line towards Vienna Fairfax-GMU, and then take the Cue Bus to either a hotel or campus.
Driving from National (DCA), the best bet is either to take I-395 S to 1-495N to VA-620 W/Braddock Rd or to take US-1S/N Henry St to 1-495W to VA-620 W/Braddock Rd. Truly it can depend on timing and any accidents/etc. in the area to determine which route is best between the two.
From IAD: To take the Metro from Dulles Airport (IAD), take the silver line from IAD to East Falls Church, transfer to the orange line towards Vienna Fairfax-GMU, and then take the Cue Bus to either a hotel or campus.
Driving from Dulles (IAD), taking either VA- 28 S to I-66 E to VA-286 S to VA-620/Braddock Rd or taking VA-267 E to VA-286 S to VA-620/Braddock Rd would work well (again depends on timing of arrivals).
TRAVEL ADVISORY: There are high school graduations taking place on campus both Wednesday and Thursday, increasing traffic from 8am to 10pm. The traffic does get challenging, especially coming in from Braddock Road in either direction. Expect delays of an additional 30-45 minutes at peak times of 8 am – 9 am if you are coming via Braddock Road. Shuttles will also be slower. We strongly recommend avoiding the Braddock Road and the Mason Pond Parking Deck. Although there will be increased campus on other parts of campus, the Rappahannock Parking Deck is further removed from the commencements at EagleBank Arena.
Parking
A valid parking permit (virtual or hangtag) is required to park outside visitor areas. Those without permits should use visitor parking in the garages or in various lots with daily parking options.
Visitor Parking information can be found here; the Short-Term Parking Rates are listed. Visitors can use the GMU Parking Portal to purchase virtual passes in advance if they create a guest account. (703) 993-2710 is the phone number for GMU parking services, and they said you are welcome to call with any questions.
Parking Garages: There are two visitor parking garages located across campus. Locate the Parking Decks using a map of Mason’s Fairfax Campus prior to your visit. The Rappahannock Parking Deck is most convenient for the library.
ADA Parking: For the spots closest to Fenwick Library, a daily pass can be purchased day-of in the parking services office. Unfortunately, these can only be purchased in-person. Visitors may also park in an ADA accessible spot in Rappahannock Parking Deck with the rest of the visitor spaces, and then pay for the parking there. Either way, when parking, make sure to display your DMV permits as usual.
Remote Parking: Another option is to park at the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU metro station for a $4.95/day rate and use the Cue Bus (free) to get to campus. The Cue Bus is also how anyone taking the metro will get to campus (after arriving at the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU metro station) as well as anyone staying at a nearby hotel. There is a stop .4 miles away from the SpringHill Suites Fairfax Fair Oaks (Jermantown Rd at James Swarts stop), .1 miles from the Residence Inn Fairfax City (Fairfax Blvd at Chain Bridge Rd stop), and .6 miles from the Courtyard Fairfax Fair Oaks (Jermantown Rd at Fairfax Blvd stop).
Lodging
We are fortunate to be able to offer on campus accommodations for conference attendees. Single suites are available for $56 a night without linens or $87 with linens.
Campus housing accommodations feature:
- 24-hour front-desk staff
- Free shuttle service from Mason to the Vienna Metro stop
- Free shuttles to local shopping and dining
- Furnished bedrooms, with an extra-long mattress (for a fee, Mason can provide a linen package with a pillow, pillow case, sheet set, blanket, towel, and washcloth)
- Wireless/wired Internet access (guests must provide Ethernet cord). Rooms do not have televisions.
- Please indicate interest in campus housing by March 31 to ensure rooms are reserved. Email rebecca@aserl.org with the dates you would like to reserve a room.
Use the local hotel finder:https://campustravel.com/university/george-mason-university/