RaD Instruction, Research Guides and Tours
RaD Instruction Sessions
The CU Boulder Libraries’ Rare and Distinctive Collections (RaD) offers instruction sessions based around rare materials and their incorporation into course curriculum. These typically take the form of project-based learning sessions, assignment-based materials sessions, or orientations to searching for and working with RaD materials. Due to staffing and space constraints, we prioritize project-based requests that ask students to synthesize primary sources or other RaD materials for a defined, course-integrated outcome.
RaD Instruction Policies
We aim to accommodate all requests, within the limits of our scheduling and staffing capabilities. Priority is given to classes centered around well-defined projects that effectively integrate into course objectives. This ensures students are able to engage with rare materials or primary sources in meaningful ways.
The instructor of record must be present for class sessions in the RaD classroom.
Requests must be made at least 3 weeks in advance.
If either the instructor of record for the course or the assigned RaD instructor is out due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances, we will do our best to reschedule.
When requesting a class session, please contact us at rad@colorado.edu to communicate learning objectives and send relevant documents (syllabi, project ideas, etc.). Rare and Distinctive Collections’ staff will schedule a meeting with you (in-person or virtual) to discuss learning outcomes, craft a list of relevant material, and schedule a class date.
Prior to the session, please spend time in class providing context to your students regarding session expectations, including: why the class is scheduled to meet in the RaD classroom, what the visit entails, a short overview of RaD policies, and a review of students’ learning goals and assignment.
