Historically, special collections within academic libraries have been collections focused. In seeking to establish a broadened collecting area for Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation at the University of Rochester, one centered around activism, human rights, and social justice, university archivists hope to break from traditional thinking around the methods of collecting and move towards a post-custodial approach centered on relationship building. The discussion leaders are seeking guidance, whether that be intellectual or practical, from those in the archival community who are already doing this work, as well as to engage in a dialogue that will no doubt inform and expand approaches to this critical topic.
