Ep 8. BYU Special Collections

Backstage BYU is an American television series that takes viewers behind the scenes of various departments and programs at Brigham Young University (BYU). Each episode explores the inner workings of a different facet of the university, showcasing the dedication and hard work of students, faculty, and staff.

In season 1 episode 8, titled "BYU Special Collections," viewers are taken on a tour of the Harold B. Lee Library's Special Collections department. The episode begins with a brief introduction to the library and its vast array of resources before focusing in on Special Collections.

Viewers are introduced to the head of Special Collections, as well as some of the department's full-time and student employees. They discuss their roles within the department and the various collections they oversee, including rare books, manuscripts, and photographs.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the rare and unique items housed within Special Collections. They see things like an original copy of the Book of Mormon, a first edition of Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species," and historical photographs of various events and individuals. The staff members discuss the importance of these items and the responsibility they feel in preserving and protecting them for future generations.

In addition to showcasing the rare items within Special Collections, the episode also delves into the process of acquiring new items. The staff members explain how they work with donors to obtain items for the collection and the research and vetting process that goes into determining whether an item is a good fit for Special Collections.

Throughout the episode, viewers also get a sense of the daily tasks and responsibilities of the Special Collections staff. They see employees scanning items for preservation purposes, cataloguing new items, and even providing research assistance to patrons. The staff members discuss the challenges they face in their work, such as the fragility of some items and the difficulty in maintaining a proper environment for preservation.

One of the highlights of the episode is a look at an ongoing project within Special Collections – the digitization of the LIFE magazine photo archive. The staff members explain how they are working to digitize and catalogue the millions of images housed within the archive and make them accessible to the public. Viewers are given a glimpse into the process of scanning and cataloguing the images, as well as the challenges and rewards of working on such a large-scale project.

Overall, "BYU Special Collections" is a fascinating look into the inner workings of a vital department within the Harold B. Lee Library. The episode showcases not only the incredible resources housed within Special Collections but also the dedication and hard work of the staff members responsible for preserving them. It highlights the importance of preserving history and the extensive work that goes into making that possible.