Special Collections libraries and departments are committed to preserving rare and unique materials and making them accessible to users; however, many would be users of archival and rare materials are uncertain of how to approach, discover, and interpret cultural heritage artifacts. In this presentation, I will offer tips and tricks to effectively engage users of different backgrounds through exhibitions, which afford curators and librarians the opportunity to showcase and interpret their departments' holdings, and classroom sessions, which allow for hands-on, experiential learning. While the presentation will focus on special collections, many of the insights and practical applications could also be useful for anyone working with books as physical objects.
