Ever Wonder About What You Can Find at the A.C. Clark Library

Ever Wonder About What You Can Find at the A.C. Clark Library

A Look Inside of the Special Collections Library and University Archive

By Zach Swaser

The A.C. Clark Library at Bemidji State University offers a wide selection of materials and services for students and the public. Many do not realize how much information can be found at the library. One of the many overlooked departments in the library is the special collections library and university archives on the second floor. This is where one may find any information about the school and region surrounding Bemidji.

Upon entering, a small room is found filled with antiques, paintings, record players, one ugly composer’s chair, and lined with shelves of books. This room is the special collections room. Special collections is a sub-section of the library that contains primary information about the university along with rare and expensive books, 2^nd copies, faculty publications, and a complete master thesis collection of past Bemidji State students.

The main difference between the information in the archive and special collections is primary and secondary information. According to Bill Shaman, the special collections librarian at the A.C. Clark Library, many people get confused about the difference between primary and secondary information. “Primary information is in the moment,” said Shaman, meaning that primary information is written as it is happening.

The University Archive is strictly secondary information about Bemidji State University. The room is less appealing then the aged feel of the special collections room, with plain white walls and filled with organized shelves. Shaman described it as “a room with boxes of material,” most of which is unpublished. “The interest in University history is minimal” shaman said, so the room is not used very often. When asked what he thought was the most interesting thing at the library, Shaman mentioned “candid photos” and “presidential papers.”

Along with information about the University the special collections and archives are home to regional newspaper collections and big name newspapers like the Chicago Tribune and the New York Times. You can find every issue of the Bemidji Pioneer starting from 1965, “the only complete collection” said Shaman. The archives also host all of the university’s sound recordings and media. It is amazing how it all fits into two rooms that are not much bigger than most bedrooms.

Some of the most interesting books in special collections would be the antiquarian collection, which dates back to about 100 years from Johannes Guttenberg. The collection sits menacingly in a locked black cabinet. Some of these books date back to the 16^th century and are made from very thick paper. “They will last long after we are all dust.” said Shaman.

The antiquarian collection consists of many versions of the bible; Shaman’s favorite is the 400^th anniversary First King James Bible. The book is ancient looking, black and beaten with missing straps. It was imprinted with the date 1611, but according to Shaman, who thinks of himself as a “minor biblical scholar” after spending ten years studying all of the editions of the English bible, the book cannot have been made before 1615 or after 1617. It is also rare because it is a “she” bible, meaning that in Ruth iii, 15 it reads “She went into the city,” instead of “He went into the city.”

Overall, there are many useful tools in the A.C. Clark Library. If you ever find yourself needing information about Bemidji State University or the many services at the library don’t be afraid to ask around for help. Particularly, if you require assistance finding information about Bemidji talk to Bill Shaman. He is not hard to mistake, he is well spoken, wears glasses on a string that adds to a look of sophistication, unusually mixed with the comfort of moccasins jeans. He can usually be found at the library while it is open.

Bill Shaman, Director of Special Collections shares knowledge of university archive

Long time historian gives interview

A small part of the Special Collections

Emma Pavleck, Star Tribune

By Isaiah Davis and Emma Pavleck

 February 4^th, 2011

On a recent morning, Bill Shaman, director of Bemidji State University archives and special collections, invited a group of students into a small dimly lit room in the basement of the BSU library where the archives are preserved.  Situated about the musty-smelling room were antique upholstered chairs. Framed documents and photos lined the walls where books were not stored.

Shaman, standing before the students with his glasses hanging around his neck, discussed how the Regional Historical Society was housed here before being moved to the present site of the Beltrami County History Center. The students were immediately aware of the fact that Shaman held a vast knowledge of the archives and recognized their worth.

Shaman first drew attention to a large King James Bible. The Bible, though tattered and missing it’s straps, is actually in great condition considering the date it was printed. He said the 1611 imprint date had been tampered with and his best guess was that the actual date is between 1615-1617.  This Bible, like many books held in the archive is impossible to replace. “But,” said Shaman, “I have very little interest in the Bible. I’m somewhere between an atheist and a heathen.”

University Archives and Special Collections

 houses this old Edison record player

Emma Pavleck, Star Tribune

The books reflect the time in which they were written, as do most books. Shaman explained that there are three different types of information: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Written materials about an event at the time of the event are considered primary information. Secondary information is knowledge that comes from a published source, usually books, periodicals and journals. “Anything that comes from the primary information, immediately becomes secondary information,” said Shaman. Tertiary information, like that which we read in a research paper, is based on secondary information. In fact, college theses, which are research papers, are saved in the archives.

Other regional publications are saved in their original bound paper form. The Bemidji Sentinel, which has ceased to exist, is one. Photographs are the most used items in the archive because it is true that pictures are worth a thousand words. They give a visual history of people and events. Photos in the archive are preserved in two forms -- positive and negative.

Books and photos could be put online, but as Shaman stated, “It’s all driven by money.” He wondered what we were saving this information for if it’s never going to be read or seen again.

Bemidji State calls for Recalibration Plan

February 18, 2011

By Kathryn Stoffels

BSU introduces $5 million budget cuts

The recalibration plan has effected some but not all

Recently, the President of Bemidji State University, Dr. Richard Hanson, announced the recalibration plan, which has already affected some students and faculty.  The recalibration plan is a $5 million budget cut for BSU.  Dr. Lisa Erwin spoke about the recalibration plan and how it is affecting the Bemidji State community.  Since Erwin is the Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment, she gave her knowledge on how the plan will repercussion. 

President Hanson and his cabinet have been working on the recalibration plan since last October.  Sara Brodeur said, “A lot of my friends and I had no idea about the plan until January.”  Not very many students were informed about the budget decrease until recently when teachers started mentioning in class.  Are the teachers and students amping up the negative effects of recalibration plan?  This should have been a bigger issue back in October and through 2010. 

A lot of the students were upset when they heard the verdict of the plan.  There are four academic programs being eliminated along with other faculty positions and sports teams.  Emily Erickson, sophomore theatre major, stated, “I’m mad that I can’t finish what I started here.  Almost halfway done, now I have to start somewhere fresh.”  She didn’t express anger toward anyone in particular, mostly toward the situation.  President Hanson has the final say in every decision that was made.    

The plan will not affect the majority of the student body because as Erwin stated, "Specifically juniors and seniors can finish their programs.”  This is profound for these students; they can finish their major at BSU, and not worry about transferring.  However, there are some who have to transfer, including Erickson.  “Wouldn’t you rather just have students stay here than having them leave halfway through their schooling?  It just makes our school look bad,” said Lindsay Morgan, whose major is not being affected, but is on the women’s golf team.  “It’s disappointing to see that the track team has to be cut, because who knows how this will affect other sports.”        

Being that there are over 65 majors to choose from, four being cut and others reduced, that is a small fraction to what BSU offers.  Linnea Asbury, a business administration major, said, "Thankfully the major I chose was not cut.  Being that business administration is so broad; I can do so much with it!"  Her and many others were not impacted directly by the plan.            

Wondering how the plan will be affecting transfers or incoming freshman Erwin propsed her ideas on what will happen to the registration in the future.  She stated, "Freshman start registration in March.  Some students may still come, but often times students end up changing their major twice or even three times."  After hearing that many students change their major, students shouldn’t transfer if they are freshman and still undecided.  Now that we have seen both sides, the plan is not as awful as people make it out to be.        

Untold Facts about Special Collections

A Look into the Job of Bill Shaman

Published February 18, 2011

By Miranda Milless

The antiquarian book shelves that hold the
oldest publications.
Photo By Miranda Milless

The special collection archive at Bemidji State University is run by Bill Shaman, special collections librarian. The special collections are located in the Bemidji State library on the second floor in a small room full of bookshelves with a big table in the center that splits off into two other rooms. The room gives off a comfortable vibe with pictures on the walls and furniture brought in by Shaman himself.

One of the book shelves was the antiquarian that held the oldest books which is the most used collection. This shelf had gated-like doors with a pad lock. Bill is in charge of the two parts, special collections and university archives. The funding for historical archives had been pulled out many years ago.

There are three types of information -- primary, secondary and tertiary. “Primary information has nothing to do with the truth.” Shaman had stated. “Nothing in this room is primary.” Notes that are taken are the things considered primary information. Even an autobiography is not a primary source. Books are secondary searches and sources which are then considered tertiary information.

All faculty publications can be found in the special archives where Bill pointed to the smaller room off to the right. Also there are copies of the Bemidji Pioneer. “The only remaining copy of the original Bemidji Pioneer is in the archives section.” Shaman had stated while flipping through some pages. The archives also contain all the university’s recordings and sound tracks. Archives also includes presidential papers to class schedules.

“It’s a lonely job.” mentioned Shaman looking down while giving a smirk; this coming from a man who has spent many years studying books for a living. There is not much staff needed for the special collections.

The most used item in the archives is the photographs. They are also Bill’s favorite thing in the collections. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So much can come from a photograph. The university had started out as mainly women. Seeing the changes and growth for Bemidji State throughout the years is astounding.

The worn and torn King James Bible.
Photo by Miranda Milless

One special item in the archives is the very first King James Bible that was published no earlier than 1615 or after 1617. It is the 400^th anniversary for this specific Bible. “It took me 10 years to study all the editions of the bible to be able to write something about them.” Shaman had mentioned while holding the worn down King James Bible. The older the books the more durable the pages are.

When asked how far the library was with digitalizing all the publications Shaman replied, “The farthest from it.” Shaman is more focused on getting all the publications in order.

“We lose track of how many books have been published.” Shaman said. Publishing books is money driven. "Manufacturers of vended digital products think we are digitalizing the world. It's never going to happen." What will sell will be published.

One can find out a lot about the university’s history and also venture into some classic books that set building blocks for literature today. Special collections is filled with the past and the present. Shaman has spent many years in this job and has been exposed to all the types of literature. He was kind to share all this information and open our minds to the archives. 

 

The Collections Library; the Gateway to Our Past

                  Photos, Newspapers, Texts and Videos all Here for the Looking

By Ben Knuesel And Brit Smerling

2/18/11

The reporters piled in the small room to meet with BSU Librarian Bill Shaman, they all sat with anticipation and got comfortable. I glanced up at Mr. Shaman he looked nervous and excited to tell us what he does in the Bemidji state university Collections Library and how it can be used and useful to us the students. Well settled, the notebooks came out and our jackets off waiting as the blank page stood ready to takes note on Bill Shaman. Bill introduced himself and what his role was specializing in the universities archives and special collections at the Bemidji State library and what a treat it was. So much rich history he had to share was at the fingertips of every single person in the room and Bill shaman was the man to open that window to the past and enlighten anyone who was ready to embrace how special this collection was. 

                  He would first go over the university archives, which is a collection of historical records. He began with saying, “the library had a lot of regional history but they lost many to Beltrami history center. These archives are a great source for writing on a historical topic, on the other hand books; magazines and newspapers articles aren’t primary.”

                  In th history catalogs of the Collections library, there is only the history of Bemidji State University. Mr. Shaman announced “all of the documents are in the archives dating back to 1919.” He also mentioned that they have the only remaining complete collection of the pioneer dating back to 1965. Although students use archives for writing purposes, students also use them to find thousands upon thousands of useful pictures.

                  The library also has rare books in special collections that bill skimmed through. He said that they have second and third editions signed by the authors “that can’t be replaced.”  They also have books dating back to the 16^th century, still in good condition. Bill also said they “are working on transferring these old and rare books to electronic copies”, so they can be saved for longer. I also thought it was interesting that the Bolster collection was donated to collections; it was western old stories.

                  The other category Mr. Shaman talked about was the special collection. He said not a lot of use of book in the special collection section. The antiquarian 15, 16 and 17^th century book are the most used and most interesting books. He was very surprised that the King James book had mostly all original bindings, which was amazing because the print date on the book is the year 1611.

                  Bill Shaman is a man who loves what he does. He spends hours upon hours seemingly locked in a rather small area revitalizing some of the most valuable historical resources of our time for future generations to use. His knowledge is overwhelming and the passion is matched only by his enjoyment. Bill Shaman shared a window into the past for a brief moment with me and for that I thank him. He is helping preserve not only our Universities history, but the history of the world with 15^th and 16^th century texts as well. The Collections Library is available to everyone during open hours and its secrets are waiting to be seen by all.

BSU special collection and university archive: a place unknown to many

There is more to the A.C. Clark Library than what meets the eye

By Matt Ellinghuysen, 2/18/11

There are many places on Bemidji State University’s campus which many people will never visit or even know exist in their academic career; One of these places is located down on the second floor of the A.C. Clark Library.  It is the library’s special collections and Bemidji State University’s archive.  The special collections and archive is not a place for historic books and documents to decompose, but a place where students and others should visit to appreciate as well as learn about novels and university history.



A view from the inside of special colletions
photo by Matt Ellinghuysen



At first walking into the special collections and archive a sawdust–like smell embraces you from the materials encased inside, and there lines before your eyes shelves of novels waiting to tell their story.  The room is made up of a table and scattered chairs which take up the center of the room and an old wooden rocking chair sits off in the corner, and almost begs for some to sit in it and tell a story as if a grandparent would to a young child.

The man in charge of this place is associate professor of library instruction Bill Shaman, who has been working there for a countless number of years.  The special collections houses rare first or second copies of books.   These books are sometimes signed by the author and very expensive to replace, therefore their use is not encouraged. 

 

A look into the King James Bible
photo by Matt Ellinghuysen

The most remarkable piece in the special collections has to be a first edition of the King James Bible dating back to 1611, which had to be taken out of a locked bookcase containing other books.  The covers and bindings of every book in it could tell a million stories of where they had been.  Shaman said it took him ten years to write an essay on this particular King James Bible, this is after he looked at many other versions of the Bible.  What many people do not know is all Bibles are not alike; many contain spelling errors and different twists to stories.

The Bemidji State’s University archive is used even less than the special collections.  This is where one can find all university sound and photography, student and professors’ thesis, and every copy of the Northern Student, Bemidji State University campus paper, since the date or publication in 1926.

According to Shaman, “It’s a lonely job working with the special collections and the archive,” this is because very few if almost no one has interest in them.

Many would ask themselves, “What are we saving this stuff for,” said Shaman.  The reason is they are history; it would be a shame if they were discarded and never seen again.  We can learn many things about books and authors through this collection, such as how things were written, published, eventually bound, and put on the market for sale.  Most of the special collections consist of antiquarian books, which are books that date back at-least 200 years.

Many things in the archive according to Shaman “will never see the light of publication.” The archive once held parts of the regional historical society, but in the tough economy, funding was lost and the items which the archive held were sent out the Beltrami County History Center and other places.

The special collections and archive maybe a place where “they (books) will last when all of us are dust,” said Shaman.  For more information on special collections and the archive located on the second floor of the A.C. Clark Library its hours are Tuesday 1-3 p.m., Wednesday 8-11 p.m., Thursday 8-10 a.m., or by appointment at the A.C. Clark Library service desk.

BSU Library Shows Off Secret Collection

Shaman shows students old books and history of BSU

By: Jordan George

On the second floor of the A.C. Clark Library is where many students of all age come to sit down relax and enjoy a quiet place to study. What many of students do not know is that the second floor is where hundreds of old books are kept and maintained by Bill Shaman.

Bill Shaman is not a known name at Bemidji State University, but he plays an important role in the library. Shaman is a smaller build guy with snowy like hair and is one of the nicest and smartest people in the business. Shaman gives the students a sneak peek of the historic room.

The room filled with many old books

The room is older looking and has antique feel to the ones one might see in a movie. Inside this room are hundreds of old books and as Shaman says “if these books are lost or stolen, they are just simply irreplaceable.” After browsing the room, Shaman turns everyone’s attention to his most prized possession.

Shaman pulls out an old bible from the 16^th century. The book is so rare and prized because there are few mistakes that prove common from it. He went on to explain that some of the sentences are misprinted.

Shaman's desk and work room

Shaman explained that Bemidji State only really attracts attention to secondary sources not Primary sources. “ Not of a lot kids want to come see and learn about the books.” He described his job as lonely. Although his job may be lonely he is pretty lucky to look over such great history. So if your on the second floor and have a little time of your hands, come by and see BIll Shaman, he will show you his secret collection and you will get to see a piece of history. 

Hidden Treasure Discovered Below the A.C. Clark Library

Special Collection and Archives are Used by Few but Available to Many

By Alex Schlee, 2/18/11

The second floor of the A.C. Clark Library plays home to a large selection of books, including a section for children’s picture books, and children’s fiction and non-fiction, along with another section for the library’s collection of books Q-Z.  This floor is one of the quieter floors of the library, usually being used by students for its private study rooms.  

Tucked off to the left side of the second floor is the special collection and the BSU archives.  What is the special collection?  What is the archive?  Why are they there and why are they useful?  Why should we care?  There is a veritable gold mine of primary study material tucked away, but it seems no one knows about it.  

The special collection comprises rare books, really old books, backups of faculty documents and master’s theses, and publications directly related to the university.  There is a locked cabinet amongst the shelves of books which houses rare and early publications dating all the way back to the 16^th century, along with first editions of important literature.  The earliest books housed here date to around 100 years after the first Gutenberg Bible.

Shelves of books line the walls of the Special Collection

and Archive on the second floor of the A.C. Clark Library

Phtot by Alex Schlee

The special collection is a room just like any you’d expect to find in a library; it’s dimly lit, filled to the rafters with books and smells very much like an attic filled with dust.  It’s décor is similar to a grandmother's living room.  A large conference table dominates the center of the room, and the walls are lined with bookshelves.  Some shelves are not piled with books, but with some other odds and ends, one of the most notable being an old record player.  A large, squashy armchair sits at the head of the conference table.  It’s legs are so short, the chair practically sits flat on the floor.  It is mentioned off hand that it once belonged to a composer. 

Bill Shaman, the Director of Special Collections, has his office in the back of the room.  A balding man of shorter stature wearing a sweat shirt, jeans, and a pair of moccasins.  He keeps hours available for open access to the collection, and will tell you anything you’d need to know about what is kept there.  He is currently in the process of scanning images of the title pages of many volumes from the special collection, though he is far from completely digitizing anything there.  

According to Shaman, the most interesting example of what is housed in the special collection is a copy of the very first edition of the King James Bible printed somewhere around 1615-1617 (though the book itself is actually imprinted with the date 1611).  It's worn leather cover and thick, yellowed pages have taken the test of time well.  The intricate designs on the cover page look like they could have been printed yesterday.  This volume will last for years to come.  

The title page of the early edition of the

King James Bible

Photo by Alex Schlee

“Even for atheists, the Bible is one of the most interesting publications ever,” said Shaman. 

The copy of the Bible housed in the special collection is a rare, even amongst its similar editions.  It contains a passage in the book of Ruth that reads "She went into the city."  Most copies of this edition read "He went into the city," which is a misprint.  The correct version of the passage is more rare than the incorrect one.  

The copy of the King James Bible, being a good example of what the special collection has to offer, is kept company by multiple other original publications, including “The Two Noble Kinsmen,” the only play co-authored by Shakespeare.  Most of the old books in the special collection were acquired through donations from a Beverly A. and Kenneth E. Henriques.  

Special collections is divided into two parts -- the actual special collection itself, and the BSU archives, which are a history of the school.  It looks more like part of an office; its linoleum floors and bright florescent lights give it a stark appeal.  Filing cabinets and even more bookshelves dominate the room, all filled with record of BSU’s history dating all the way back to its founding in 1919.  Old editions of The Northern Student are housed here, though the newspaper archives were never indexed, so finding a specific issue would be very difficult.  An original compilation of the Bemidji Pioneer is also kept here.  

According to Shaman, the archives are not often used by students, but more often faculty.  Most of the material in the archives, and some in the special collection, is primary material, and could be an invaluable resource to students.  The material found in the special collection and archives are just the kind that could be useful to students doing research projects that require primary sources.  However, it doesn’t seem that many students know that it’s there.  Shaman put it this way: “Libraries are still useful. . .What are we saving it for if no one is going to be interested again?”  

University Archives and Special Collections

Bemidji’s history is recorded and revealed in the unknown room on the second floor of the library

By Danielle Steele

February 18, 2011



Archives and special collections room on the second floor of the library



Most students on campus have been to the library at Bemidji State University. But how many students actually know much about the library and what it contains? The second floor may seem to be just a normal study area for student to use. Look a little closer to the left side of the room and the archives and special collections department is revealed.

This is the place where you can find all the history of BSU. Bill Shaman, who is an associate professor in the library and library services department was able to tell everything there is to know about the contents of the department.

In the poorly lit room of the second floor of the library, is the archives and special collections room. It is small, yet holds quite a bit of information. The room is like a small library itself. Books line the right side walls. There is also a black cage on the right wall. This contains the most precious books that are locked up for safety. A big conference table lies in the middle of this room. On the walls to the left are photographs and certificates in frames. An old yellowed copy of the Bemidji Daily Pioneer hangs on the wall as well.

Shaman stood in the back of the room at the head of the table and began explaining to us exactly what this room was and its contents. His vocabulary was filled with complex words that were unfamiliar such as archives and tertiary. This man who wore jeans, a sweatshirt and moccasins seemed very laid back at first. As he spoke more however, he became someone who took their job very seriously. He demonstrated his passion for books and their history.

A copy of the Daily Pioneer is framed on the wall

Bill explained that any history that has to do with BSU is in this room. He said it is a “lonely job” because not many are interested. BSU thesis papers, photographs and newspapers are all in this little room. There are also different artifacts in there. Old books are kept in the black cage and locked up. There are books in there from the early 16^th century. Bill described them as a “beautiful collection”.

His most interesting book is the very first King James edition Bible. Bill described this as an “unusually nice specimen” and “absolutely fascinating.”He explained that he is very interested in the historical content of the Bible as he is not a religious man.

There is a wide variety of contents in this little room. There are sound recordings and open reel videotapes. The Bemidji Courthouse entrusted the old small town newspaper copies to the Bemidji State University library. Bill explained why we have these newspapers. “We keep them so they are not lost.”

            To the oblivious student, the second floor of the library is just a place to study. To Bill Shaman, it is a place to get lost in history

Bemidji State University's History in a Nutshell

Shaman Shows Off a Secret Collection

By Travis Bosch

February 18th

On the second floor of the library is where many students gather for a quiet place to study. Everyday people walk by a small door on the far left side of the second floor. What they do not know is that inside that door is the special collections room. This is where you can find a man called Bill Shaman at work.

The old wooden shelves filled with books

Bill Shaman stands short statured with a slender build. He has snow-white hair and carries himself like a professional. He speaks intelligently by using a wide ranged vocabulary selection. Shaman has a passion for books especially the ones found in the tiny room.

The special collections room is filled with a bunch of old books on wooden shelves. The room has a very antique look to it and the old age of the stuff inside the room is clearly visible with ones eye. Shaman talks highly of the books inside the special collections room as he considers them to be like a treasure.

                Shaman explains that most of the books found in this tiny room are “special” and “rare.” If something were to happen to these old books they would be irreplaceable.

               While Shaman was sharing his excitement of the books he went on to explain about primary and secondary sources. Most people think that the material they read to consume information is a primary source when really it is a secondary source. The primary source would be the person’s notes that were used to create the interesting to read finished copy.

The black cage that holds Shamans favorite book

                Pretty well everything Bemidji States Library has to offer is a secondary source. It’s only in the special archives room that you will find primary sources. Shaman says, “My job is often lonely.” Not many students attending the school have any interest in the special collections room or even know that it exists.

                Shaman has a black metal cabinet with a lock on it inside the room. The cabinet has got a holed cage look to it and it contains Shamans favorite book, which is a bible from the 16^th century. The King James Bible was said to be published in 1611. Shaman disagrees with this fact as he thinks that the exact date is probably a couple years off.            

                Bill Shaman likes this bible so much because there weren’t many mistakes with the translation of the material. In most cases there would be quite a few mistakes. He enjoys learning about the history that the bible has in it. He doesn’t like to read into the bible messages though because he is not convinced to believe in one religion.

        

                These archives found in Bemidji State University’s library hold many more exciting things including all of the schools rich history. Next time while on the second floor of the library instead of passing the special collections room stop in, learn something and make Bill Shamans life less lonely.

A Little Slice of History: Spotlight on a School’s Beginnings

By Jake Hertwig

Surrounded by numerous collections
of works and collectables, the special
collections and university archives room
gives a sense of years gone by.

“It’s just a small room tucked in the corner of a large building,” said Bemidji State University graduate Teresa Klinkhammer.  The room to which she is referring is what’s known as the special collections and university archives room located on the second floor of the A.C. Clark Library.  Klinkhammer then confessed that in her four years at Bemidji State, it wasn't until her senior year when she discovered this room.Klinkhammer said that it’s “important for us to know where we come from in order to know where we are going.”  Not only can you discover the history of a your insitution in such a room, but you can also discover the history of a society. 

It’s a safe assumption that many are unaware of what this particular room is and what you can learn from it.  “This is special collections and university archives,” said A.C. Clark librarian Bill Shaman.  With his very relaxed presence and glasses slung around his neck, Shaman proceeded to enlighten his audience by explaining just what this mysterious room was.

 

Looking like a scene taken out of early 20^th century mansion library, one could get a strong sense that this was a room full of history and enlightenment.  On a bookshelf sits an old phonograph player with an early Dell computer sitting right next to it which, in and of itself, is a living example of just how far society has come, technologically speaking. 

The publications ranged from early 16^th century to faculty publications to masters’ theses.  One such book that caught the eye of the audience was their copy of the first King James Bible, published at around the early 17^th century. 

This first edition of the King James Bible
is estimated to date back to 1611 and is
one of Shaman's personal favorites. 

There was a strong sense of excitement and passion in Shaman’s voice as he continued to talk about all of the research he has completed over the years.  One example of his determination was his ten-year stretch of reading through the King James Bible by comparing it to much earlier and different translations and how different interpretations have spread throughout the centuries. 

This Norman Rockwell-like room, with its look of a library surrounding a collection of faded, cushioned chairs, also contained year by year historical goodies.  The special collections and university archives is the only location where one can find any copy of the Bemidji Pioneer dating all the way back to its beginnings in 1899.  It’s like a time machine.  The wear and tear of the paper is clearly visible the further back in time you go.  Along with the Pioneer time capsule is a collection of university academic information throughout the years including class schedules and listings of past professors and university presidents. 

Shaman’s voice soon hit a lower note when the topic future publications of these works came up, and if they were ever going to be seen in any other formats.  We are entering an age where the demand for physical copies is becoming smaller and smaller.  Forms of entertainment such as music, movies, books, and newspapers are continuing to make the transition into electronic form.

Shaman also admitted that there isn’t much demand for the special collections and university archives in general, at least from students.  He commented that one could go to any other university with a similar room and there still wouldn’t be much interest on the students’ end.  “It’s a lonely job doing the archiving,” said Shaman. 



The publications and works in this room are as far as can be from being converted.  “What will sell is what will be converted,” said Shaman.  A lot of the time, conversion all depends on how much demand there is for that particular piece of work.  Shaman doesn’t see much popular demand for works such as past editions of the Bemidji Pioneer. 

“The times continue to change,” said Teresa Klinkhammer.  “How did we get from using telegraphs to using computers?  How much further can we continue to go?  This (college) is the time to ask these questions.  We have to know our history before we can create a future.” 

Bill Shaman Shows Off The His Pride And Joy, The Special Collections

Although not used often the special collections is still important

Special collections plaque outside the door

By Morgan Krause

            The quaint room was filled with worn leather-bound books and the smell of musty paper. Bill Shaman, a short man, no taller that 5’5", stood at the head of the table wearing a blue sweatshirt with his glasses strung around his neck and moccasins on his feet. His hands moved about as he excitedly shared the secrets of the special collections.

            Shaman has been the director of the special collections department at BSU for 20 years but has been employed at BSU for 24 years. He began to explain all the different elements of the room and his enthusiasm showed that he really loves his job. The special collection at BSU consists of university documents and pictures, facility publications, rare books, and many first editions. “It's not a facility that is used very much,” Shaman said. “We don’t encourage a lot of use of the collections.”

            The archives are mostly used for photographs but BSU has at least one of every published issue of the Northern Student. the Northern Student was founded in 1926 and the special collection has the only set of unbound and bound newspapers. Along with the Northern Student, many issues of The Bemidji Pioneer and the former Bemidji Sentinel can be found here as well.

            With most of the rest of the library being accessible by the Internet, there has been a big push by to do the same with the collections. “Its like pulling teeth at this college like any other,” said Shaman when he was asked how long it would be before everything was digitized. Although it’s not out of the question it will just take a lot if time and effort for Internet access to archive documents. “We lose track of how many books get published,” commented Shaman.

On one wall of the room was a gated bookcase with one of the earliest publications, dating back as early as 1450. Many of the books were 16^thand 17^th century books with many different varieties. Books form theses eras are the least vulnerable to damage because of the heavy paper they were printed on. The oldest books will be the ones that hold the best over time.

An assortment of books

Shaman pulled for us “an unusually nice specimen” that is celebrating its 400^th birthday this year. “Most Bibles have astonishing errors,” said Shaman as he grabbed a King James first edition from the gated bookcase. “I myself am not interested in the Bible, I’m somewhere between an atheist and a heathen.” The Bible’s publication was estimated between the years of 1615 and 1617 and the book was still in great condition. The black bookcase also held early works of Shakespeare plays and documents signed by John Hancock himself.

 With little outside use from the public, the archives can become a “lonely job,” but all could tell that Shaman loved his work. He admitted to not knowing exactly all this work was done for. “What are we saving it for if know one is going to be interested in it?”

Shaman Shows Dedication Behind Being a Librarian

Elaborate Special Collections in Corner of Library

By Matthew D. Larson 

  

                On the 2^nd floor of the Bemidji State University library is a room filled with rare archives and historical publications relating to the university and the geographic region.  An articulate and eccentric man named Bill Shaman gave us the privilege to explore the deep history of the special collection.  Shaman discussed how the special collections room was a university function and is maintain by Shaman himself.  This type of literature has “perspectives that change through time,” claims Shaman. 

                The collection also archives master’s thesis that date back to the 1950’s written by students who have attended Bemidji State.  These are accessible to the entire university. This area also deals with the organization of the university publication the Northern Student.   The history of this paper dates back to 1929.  This collection of newspapers also extends to regional papers such as the Pioneer and the Bemidji Sentinel.  The room smelt of old musty newspapers which was no surprise after the discovery of the elaborate collection.  The worn edges and coloration of the paper clearly indicated the time behind collecting. 

                Shaman, with his sleeves now rolled and cuffed, started talking about how the most widely used tool from the archives were the photographs.  Photographs are so common because of the rarity of some of the pictures.  Another pride and joy of Shamans is the highly detailed set of bibliographies.  Along with the bibliographies is a set of books looked in a steel framed locker.  These are the rarest of all the books at the entire university.  The university possesses a first edition King James Bible that dates back to 1611.  The Bible was in decent condition and was set out for display. 

                The collection extends beyond the King James 1st edition.  A 32 fold Latin Bible also accompanies the King James Version.  However, Shaman claims that it is a “controversial edition” because of the layout of the text.  Shaman has studied 10 different editions to better help his understanding. “No Bible name has ever changed just the versions” said Shaman as he set out the entire collection on the table.

                The most interesting part of Shamans work in the special collections archives is the restricted photographs.  There are also presidential documents from previous university presidents located in the archives.   This unknown part of library serves a purpose protecting and maintaining the special history of the archives.  Shaman will continue to do as much as he can to ensure that these articles and pieces of university history will be safely kept for years to come.