A Visit to the Special Collection 
and University Archives at BSU

Archive Director Bill Shaman Shows and Explains his Passion 
for Rare Books with Unique Histories

By David Teeples

February, 17 2011

The Special Collections at BSU holds
rare and early books as well as
master's theses

The second floor of the library, a quiet place where many get lost in studies, is where Bill Shaman does his work in the special collections.  It is an enclosed room with early pictures from Bemidji State University that puts thoughts of the past in one's mind as dour faces look back at the observer, quirky old chairs that rest scattered around the room, and rare or irreplaceable books that inside lie motionless. In a dark room off the right side of this time capsule-like room is where the university archive is kept.  Here, Shaman explained his passion for special collections and enthusiastically showed off some of the books held there.     

The special collections in the A. C. Clark Library are a vital part of the information stored there and is considered a subsection of the library.  Most of the books kept here are “rare and early books…that would be difficult, expensive, or impossible to replace,” said Shaman.  This room also holds decades of master's theses that sit upon various shelves, which are backup copies. 

This Bible, printed in 1611, is one
Shaman is particularly proud of

In the room, a cage holding rare books from the 16th century naturally captures attention.  One such book is particularly enticing; it is a King James Bible from the first printing of these Bibles in 1611, although Shaman doubts that the book was published in 1611.  He explained the date is most likely a couple years off.  This Bible is in great condition and the only defect is the missing leather straps on the side.  These were in place because books from this period had thick-grade paper, thus making them more difficult to keep closed. 

Shaman displayed fondness for this Bible because there are a few mistakes that proved common in such early translations.  One mistake Shaman pointed out was a sentence in the Book of Ruth that read, “he went to town” as opposed to the correct verse, “She went to town.”  Shaman finds studying this kind of information fascinating.  He is interested in the historical content of the bible rather than the message, because, as he put it, “I am somewhere between an atheist and a heathen.”

Shaman also explained the difference between primary sources and secondary sources.   He said that many people have misconceptions about what a primary source is.  Most people, for example, would call a newspaper article from June 6, 1944 about D-Day a primary source; this is a common mistake.  The primary source would be the journalist’s notes for the story in this example.  Primary sources are basically unpublished materials. 

This case holds the most prized books
in the special collections

The university archive is mostly made up of primary sources.  In this part of the special collections department anything to do with the university history is kept, including ex-presidents' speeches, early photographs, and all the university sound recordings and videos. “It’s a lonely job doing the archiving,” said Bill Shaman, explaining that there is not much interest from students.  


The archive also has regional small papers held including every issue of the Northern Student published.  These were never indexed however so looking for certain articles can be challenging.  In Shaman’s opinion, the most interesting item held in the university archives are the old photographs, which document previous BSU graduating classes and sport teams.  

The special collection visit proved to be very informational and left me with a desire to return.  Shaman's own interest in the unique items held in the special collections seems to rub off on anyone who is curious about this part of the library.