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.