Instructors are invited to bring their classes to the Kislak Center and teach with special collections. Visits typically take place weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, but accommodations are made for evening classes or special events.
We ask that instructors inquire about a class visit at least one month before the proposed visit. Please email us at kislak@upenn.edu or contact John Pollack to make arrangements. The size of our classroom spaces vary and can limit the number of students who can visit at one time.
Once the visit has been scheduled, curators will work with instructors to select materials. Instructors can also make requests through their Aeon research account in advance.
A Kislak Center staff member may stay in the classroom while collections are being used. All materials are subject to curatorial approval and may have restrictions or unique handling requirements.
Instructors must notify students of special collections practices, including:
No food or drink.
Bags must be left along the sides of the classroom.
Students are asked to arrive with clean hands.
Students must use pencils, not pens, to take notes.
Photographs are permitted without flash.
Semester-Long Courses
Instructors who wish to build a semester-long seminar around special collections are invited to teach their class in a Kislak Center seminar room. To discuss how special collections can support your teaching, and to make arrangements, please email us at kislak@upenn.edu or contact John Pollack.
All materials are subject to curatorial approval and may have restrictions. A Kislak Center staff member may stay in the classroom while collections are being used.
When collections are present, all classrooms must follow special collections practices, including:
No food or drink.
Bags must be left along the sides of the classroom.
Students are asked to arrive with clean hands.
Students must use pencils, not pens, to take notes.
When students arrive at the Reading Room, a staff member will be available to answer questions and guide them in using the collections and following reading room practices.
Teachers may meet with students about special collections materials in our small study rooms located in the Reading Room. Please consult with Sarah Heim, Public Services Librarian, to make advance arrangements.
