Beyond the Cover explores behind-the-scenes areas and topics at Binghamton University Libraries written by Michelle Chen ’27, Libraries’ communications student assistant.
Tucked in a quiet corner of the Bartle Library North Reading Room lies one of its most fascinating spaces: Special Collections. This area houses more than just old books. It’s a treasure trove of material with profound historical significance. From medieval manuscripts to rare photographs, maps and modern limited-edition publications, Special Collections is brimming with history. Each piece tells a different story, connecting us to the past. For students, visiting this space offers a chance to explore these one-of-a-kind resources, enriching their studies and uncovering a perspective they can’t find anywhere else.
“Special Collections is where the cool stuff lives in the library! It’s a very versatile place, with everything from a 14th-century manuscript to rare books signed by their authors and unique materials tied to local history,” said Jeremy Dibbell, Special Collections librarian. “I find something new at least once a week, whether it’s a connection to an interesting historical figure or a fascinating story behind a piece in our collection.”
The Libraries Special Collections is full of gems that tell incredible stories. Each piece of the collection is not just a piece of history but a tangible connection to the past. These pieces are preserved with great care to ensure they remain accessible for future generations.
Special Collections is not just a place of the past, it also houses rare modern editions, like books with interesting features that make them stand out. These materials aren’t just rare, they’re designed to captivate anyone who stumbles upon them, showing how creativity spans centuries. For Dibbell, the act of preserving and making these materials accessible isn’t just a job; it’s a way to keep those moments alive for anyone curious enough to explore them.
Photo by Bryan Field
One of the most rewarding aspects of Dibbell’s job is watching researchers and students engage with materials they never thought would be accessible. This is made possible through meticulous organizing and preserving, ensuring that each item is carefully cataloged, stored, and maintained. By safeguarding these materials, Dibbell and his colleagues help to create an environment where the past can be explored, with the confidence that these valuable resources will remain in excellent condition for years to come. “I’ve gained a greater appreciation for the work of researchers and archivists,” said Madison Cardiel, student assistant in Special Collections. “It’s not easy! The process of organizing everything chronologically has given me new insights.”
Both Cardiel and Anna Liu, who work in Special Collections as student assistants, have had their views on history completely transformed through their work. Through projects like preserving rare pamphlets or examining photographs from decades ago, they’ve come to realize that, no matter the era, humans remain wonderfully complex. Working with local newspaper clippings from the 1920s to the 1970s, Liu is able to see a different student perspective.
“You’re seeing history through someone else’s eyes, and that’s a powerful way to understand the world,” said Liu. “It’s fascinating to see students from the past. It’s like catching a glimpse of history through their eyes.”
Exploring the Link Collections, featuring the work of Edwin A. Link and Marion Clayton Link, who were instrumental in the aviation and navigation field, was especially insightful, giving a rare look into parts of someone’s life you don’t usually see.
“Accessing items from famous people made them seem more ordinary,” Liu says. “Seeing their Christmas cards, rejections and personal notes gave me a new perspective on their lives. What’s fascinating is realizing that history isn’t just about the big events—it’s about the everyday lives of people. We really have been these silly little beings for centuries.”
“Looking at materials from someone’s entire life has given me a new appreciation for history,” Cardiel said. “I’ve realized how much we’ve changed, yet how much we stay the same.”
While it might seem intimidating to begin a research project, the Special Collections staff is welcoming and ready to help. Special Collections is open to the public, offering students and researchers a chance to explore unique exhibitions, dive into rare materials and even participate in the preservation process as a student assistant.
“Working in Special Collections is all about ensuring that the past is preserved in a way that allows future generations to learn from it, understand it and connect with it,” said Dibbell.
Whether you’re interested in old books, fascinating artifacts or just enjoy the thrill of discovering something new, this hidden gem at the Libraries is waiting for you to check it out.
For more information about the Libraries Special Collections and how to get in contact, visit www.binghamton.edu/libraries/about/special-collections/ .