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 Shaman described it as “a room with boxes of material,” most of which is unpublished.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.