Intro to Rare Books and Special Collections

6-week Course Starts JUN 08, 2026

This course qualifies toward completion of the Preservation Specialist Certificate.

Course Description

This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to the world of rare books and special collections and participants will learn the vital skills needed to excel in this field. Quizzes and homework will allow participants to put their new-found knowledge to use immediately.


Learning Objectives

  • Identify the core skills and knowledge needed to successfully manage rare books and special collections
  • Understand methods for digitization of rare books
  • Recall methods for caring and preserving rare books and special collections
  • Recognize the importance of rare book collection development

Total Course Hours: 15 Hours/1.5 CEU


"This was a wonderful course! As a non-librarian who is still fairly new to this world, this course was extremely helpful and informative. I have a very solid base for moving forward to help me perform my role. "

- Samuel Shoup, Manager of Special Collections & University Archives at Miami University, Oxford, OH

Your Instructor


Carmen Cowick
Carmen Cowick

Carmen Cowick provides training, support, and consulting services in the areas of preservation and collections care. She received a bachelor's degree in art history and a master's degree in library science with a certificate in archives and preservation of cultural materials from CUNY Queens College in New York City. Since 2019, she has been a lecturer at Emporia State University, teaching on a variety of archival and library-related topics.

Carmen has written numerous scholarly articles on preservation-related topics and is the author of the books Digital Curation Projects Made Easy and Crash Course in Disaster Preparedness.


? Frequently Asked Questions

When does the course start and finish?

  • This course starts on JUN 08, 2026. It is an asynchronous online course designed to be completed in 6 weeks.
  • Participants will spend approximately 2.5 hours each week on viewing lectures, answering quizzes, and completing written assignments.
  • It is recommended that you complete each week's work within that week to stay in sync with other learners.
When is the last day for enrollment?
  • The last day for enrollment is FRIDAY JUN 05, 2026.

Will the instructor be available for feedback and questions?
  • Absolutely! Your instructor will provide feedback for each assignment and will be available via email or phone for any questions you may have. A discussion forum is also available where participants can post questions.
How long do I have access to the course material?
  • You will have unlimited access for three months from the start date of this course.
Will I receive a Certificate of Completion?
  • In order to receive a Certificate of Completion you must:
  1. View all video lectures
  2. Answer all quizzes
  3. Complete all written assignments
  • When you complete these three items you can expect to receive you certificate within two weeks.
I am having trouble enrolling. Help!
  • We're sorry to hear this. Here are some options:
  1. Try enrolling with a different browser or with a different device (laptop, tablet, smart phone, etc.)
  2. Email us at info@preservethis.org for an invoice. This will be emailed to you and you can pay through the link provided in the invoice.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
  • We offer a 14-day refund (from the day the course starts) on all asynchronous courses. Send your refund request to info@preservethis.org.

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