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.