Instruction Support

Class in the Marcia Brown Reading Room

Primary source instruction is a great way to introduce students to research in archives and special collections. Archivists are ready to help you incorporate special collections materials into your classes. Use the Instruction Request Form to schedule and coordinate your sessions with the Special Collections & Archives Department.

Bring your class to Special Collections!

Archivists are available to collaborate with instructors on a variety of learning experiences supported by our collections. In addition to leading instruction sessions, we are happy to work with instructors on assignments for their students or be a space for teaching faculty to lead their own sessions using materials from our collections.

If you are interested in bringing your class to the M.E. Grenander Special Collections & Archives, please complete the Instruction Request Form.

Types of Instruction

Instruction Sessions

  • Primary source orientation/introduction session/Archives 101 (Remote or Special Collections space)
  • Interactive hands-on learning session (in Special Collections space), which may be extended to multiple sessions allowing students to undertake research and practice primary source analysis as part of a course assignment

Research Consultations

Meet with an archivist one-on-one or as part of a course specific assignment to discuss finding and using material, specific collections overview, and research strategies. Schedule an appointment with an archivist.

Instruction Consultations

One-on-one virtual or in-person meetings to discuss course planning, assignments, or collections suitable for class use. Contact the department at speref@albany.libanswers.com.

Instruction Space

The Marcia J. Brown Reading Room can accommodate up to 25 students per session, on weekdays throughout the academic year. We can potentially make special arrangements for classes with large enrollments.