Lost and Found: Uncovering “Hidden” Library and Museum Collections

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Brief Description

In this session, participants will explore the phenomenon of “hidden” collections within libraries and museums, focusing on regional and thematic collections that often remain dormant or underused despite their potential value. Drawing on real-life examples from their own institutions (such as collections of children’s literature and Armenian materials), the speakers will delve into the factors that contribute to these collections being overlooked or forgotten, including issues related to cataloging, access, funding, and institutional priorities.
The discussion will offer practical insights into how these resources can be rediscovered, recontextualized, and made accessible to broader audiences. Participants will share innovative strategies and best practices for uncovering these hidden gems, whether through digitization, improved cataloging techniques, collaboration with local communities, or creative outreach efforts, and will introduce a new cross-collections exploration tool.

Sub Unit

• Library/Information Sciences

Chair

• Veronika Trotter, Indiana U Bloomington

Roundtable Speakers

• Anna Arays, Yale U

• Liladhar R. Pendse, UC Berkeley

• Michael Perekrestov, Russian History Museum

• Veronika Trotter, Indiana U Bloomington

• Matthew Young, Library of Congress