Under the auspices of the Committee on Research Collections, ARL sponsored a working symposium on June 27-29, 2001, to explore the prospects and promise of special collections in the expanding electronic environment. Brown University graciously hosted the symposium entitled, "Building on Strength: Developing an ARL Agenda for Special Collections." The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation underwrote the operating costs for the symposium, so it was not necessary to charge a registration fee.
This event was a unique opportunity for research library directors, heads of special collections, and invited scholars and guests to discuss timely issues concerning the potential of special collections. The goals were to call attention to the unique role of special collections within research institutions, and to find ways to use information technology more effectively to explore and expand the value to research and teaching of these important resources. There was also a strong interest in identifying the factors that facilitate or impede the full realization of this potential in an electronic age.
The symposium was designed to be an intensive working forum, bringing together a diverse range of interests. The meeting featured speakers, panels, and break-out sessions, allowing ample time for discussion, debate, and brainstorming. The symposium culminated in the articulation of a common, long-term, programmatic agenda for special collections in research libraries.
A key document that served as a basis for discussion is the publication containing the findings of the 1999 survey of special collections in ARL libraries. The publication were sent in advance to every ARL member representative. Additional copies are available for purchase from the ARL distribution center, pubs@arl.org.