Special Collections

CMU Strengthens Shakespeare Expertise With Folger Institute Consortium Membership

The Folger Shakespeare Library, which boasts the largest collection of Shakespeare in the world, is home to incredibly valuable resources and services that transform education and drive discovery about the early modern period. At the conclusion of two years of Shakespeare-focused programming at the University Libraries, Carnegie Mellon University has joined the Folger and more than 40 universities in the United States and abroad as a part of the Folger Institute Consortium. The Libraries will contribute a portion of the membership fee, which funds core institute activities.

“The Four Shakespeare Folios, 1623–2023: Copy, Print, Paper, Type” Book Launch Photo Gallery

Multiple contributors to “The Four Shakespeare Folios, 1623–2023: Copy, Print, Paper, Type” shared their expertise at an event to celebrate the book’s launch on May 30 at the Posner Center. The evening was a culmination of the year-long celebration of the 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare’s First Folio.

Interdisciplinary CMU Project Restores Access to Essential Humanities Resource

Before October 28, 2023, the University Libraries’ Curator of Special Collections Sam Lemley made frequent use of an online resource called the “English Short Title Catalogue” (ESTC) in his research. A key database for scholars like Lemley investigating English literature, bibliography, and the history of the book, the ESTC is a shared catalog devoted to books, serials, pamphlets, and ephemeral materials published between 1473 and 1800.

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Bridging Humanities and Computer Science with Early AI Art

Thanks to Pamela McCorduck’s personal collection, gifted to Special Collections in 2018, the Libraries is home to a significant collection of AI art by groundbreaking artists Harold Cohen and Lillian Schwartz. The 19 pieces held in the collection are early, unique examples of the potential for creativity and innovation at the intersection of computer science and the humanities.

Illuminating Poetry in CMU Special Collections

Since April is National Poetry Month, we wanted to highlight an usual (and entirely unique) poetry manuscript in our special collections!

Welcome, Kari Thomas, Posner Curatorial Intern

Please join us in welcoming Kari Thomas to the Carnegie Mellon University Libraries as the Posner Curatorial Intern. Kari is a third-year Ph.D. student in Dietrich College’s History Department. We asked Kari a few questions about herself and her plans for her new role.

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Event Recording: Fine and Rare IV: Inside CMU Libraries’ Special Collections

On January 25, the University Libraries hosted “Fine and Rare IV: Inside CMU Libraries’ Special Collections.” At the virtual event, Curator of Special Collections Sam Lemley introduced recently acquired items in the collections. A recording of the event is now available.

Event Recording: Fine and Rare III: Musical Marvels of Special Collections Unveiled

On December 7, the University Libraries hosted “Fine and Rare III: Musical Marvels of Special Collections Unveiled.” At the virtual event, Curator of Special Collections Sam Lemley shared rare musical treasures from the collections. A recording of the event is now available.

Professor Stephen Greenblatt Presents: Shakespeare's First Folio and Second Chance

On November 30, the University Libraries and the Center for Print, Networks, and Performance (CPNP) welcomed Cogan University Professor of the Humanities at Harvard University Stephen Greenblatt to deliver his lecture “Shakespeare's First Folio and Second Chance.”

Call for Applicants: Posner Curatorial Internship

Carnegie Mellon University Libraries invites current or incoming graduate students to apply for the recently reimagined Posner Curatorial Internship. The Posner Curatorial Internship supports Carnegie Mellon University graduate students in gaining practical and paid training in rare books and special collections librarianship. The Internship is intended for students who plan to pursue a career in cultural heritage institutions, including work in libraries, archives, and museums.

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