Issue no.9

The Special Collections and University Archives Department at the University of Nevada, Reno began a physical survey of all department holdings in June 2017. As a first step, the department needed to identify a viable, customizable tool to use to conduct the survey. After looking at options, the surveyors decided to use a cloud-based database tool called Airtable. Airtable fit all anticipated needs for the physical survey and proved to be adaptable to a number of projects and workflows outside of the survey. This article explores the steps taken to identify an appropriate tool, its use in the physical survey, how the department adapted it for use beyond the initial survey of holdings, and future uses of Airtable by the Special Collections and University Archives Department.

This case study explores the issues surrounding web design in the special collections and university archives environment, focusing on the process from the perspective of an archives professional without web development expertise. The author shares how the Eberly Family Special Collections Library made the “design-by-committee” process more effective through collaborative committee work and user experience testing. The case study includes a discussion of the challenges encountered and the strategies employed to enhance the special collections’ website, when working with many library stakeholders and a regimented website template.