Fairfax, VA 22030
Business as Usual?
Special Collections as a Microcosm of the World
May 28-30, 2025 -- George Mason University Fenwick Library -- Fairfax, VA
This interactive unconference is designed to bring together special collections librarians, archivists, digital curators, and cultural heritage professionals to discuss the evolving role of special collections. From navigating grant funding organizations to fostering donor relations and outreach efforts, this event will explore the challenges and opportunities of making special collections more accessible and relevant to patrons.
Rather than formal presentations, this unconference will feature two days of interactive discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and networking opportunities. Sessions will begin with brief introductions to key themes, followed by participant-driven breakout discussions where attendees can share experiences, strategies, and solutions. The optional final day, May 30, attendees will travel to DC for a cultural excursion to the National Mall and a group outing to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.
By the end of this gathering, we hope to establish actionable insights and best practices that can guide institutions in strengthening their roles within their communities while preserving and enhancing their collections for future generations.
REGISTRATION FEE: $250/person
Preliminary Program -- subject to change
Wednesday, May 28, 9:00 am to 5:00pm
- Opening Kickoff Session: How we can center healthy workplace habits during the mist of chaos and confusion?
- Several breakout sessions on working with collections donors, ethics and expression in special collections, fundraising and advancement, and ensuring collections reflect our communities
- Lunch included
- Tour of library and campus
- Evening social reception
Thursday, May 29, 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Opening Kickoff Session
- Breakout sessions the complexities of collecting, connecting special collections with the larger library and institution, and special topics to be decided by attendees
- Wellness break
- Lunch Included
- Joint closing session, report outs from breakouts, and determining areas for future collaboration
- Optional Dine Arounds
Friday, May 30, 8:00am to 3:00pm -- OPTIONAL Cutural Activity
- Join us as we take the Metro to the Smithsonian Mall to visit some of the museums together
- We will have lunch downtown D.C. (Lunch is not included)
Unconference Sponsors
About George Mason University
George Mason’s primary campus is located in the City of Fairfax, Virginia. The campus, on 677 wooded acres, is just 20 miles from downtown Washington, D.C.. It is home to most of our undergraduate student population, with more than 6,000 students living in 40 residence halls on campus.
GMU Transportation and Parking: George Mason is located 20 miles from DC. Getting to campus from DC area airports is easy using Uber or Lyft. Public transit is available via the Sandy Creek/Vienna Metro stop on the Orange and Blue lines, connecting by bus or rideshare. Shuttles are available to GMU campus ID holders.
GMU Parking
A valid parking permit (virtual or hangtag) is required to park outside visitor areas. Those without permits should use visitor parking in the garages or in various lots with daily parking options. Virtual parking permits are sold online only at parking.gmu.edu. Permits are sold with daily, weekly, monthly, and semester options.
There are two visitor parking garages located across campus. The Rappahannock Parking Deck First Floor Visitor Section is the closest visitor parking to the Mason Tour and Visitor Center. Locate the Rappahannock Parking Deck using a map of Mason’s Fairfax Campus prior to your visit.
GMU Area Dining
- Off Campus Dining: https://c5i.gmu.edu/restaurants-near-george-mason-fairfax/
- On Campus Dining: (need link to dining that will still be open over the summer)
Lodging at GMU
We are fortunate to be able to offer on campus accommodations for conference attendees. Single suites are available for $56 a night without linens or $87 with linens. Campus housing accommodations feature:
- 24-hour front-desk staff
- Free shuttle service from Mason to the Vienna Metro stop
- Free shuttles to local shopping and dining
- Furnished bedrooms, with an extra-long mattress (for a fee, Mason can provide a linen package with a pillow, pillow case, sheet set, blanket, towel, and washcloth)
- Cable service (guests must provide a television and proper cords)
- Wireless/wired Internet access (guests must provide Ethernet cord)
Or, you can use the local hotel finder: https://campustravel.com/university/george-mason-university/
ASERL is one of the largest regional research library consortia in the United States. By working together, ASERL members continue to provide and maintain top quality resources and services for the students, faculty, and citizens of their respective communities. See www.aserl.org for more information.
Business as Usual?
Special Collections as a Microcosm of the World
May 28-30, 2025 -- George Mason University Fenwick Library -- Fairfax, VA
This interactive unconference is designed to bring together special collections librarians, archivists, digital curators, and cultural heritage professionals to discuss the evolving role of special collections. From navigating grant funding organizations to fostering donor relations and outreach efforts, this event will explore the challenges and opportunities of making special collections more accessible and relevant to patrons.
Rather than formal presentations, this unconference will feature two days of interactive discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and networking opportunities. Sessions will begin with brief introductions to key themes, followed by participant-driven breakout discussions where attendees can share experiences, strategies, and solutions. The optional final day, May 30, attendees will travel to DC for a cultural excursion to the National Mall and a group outing to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.
By the end of this gathering, we hope to establish actionable insights and best practices that can guide institutions in strengthening their roles within their communities while preserving and enhancing their collections for future generations.
REGISTRATION FEE: $250/person
Preliminary Program -- subject to change
Wednesday, May 28, 9:00 am to 5:00pm
- Opening Kickoff Session: How we can center healthy workplace habits during the mist of chaos and confusion?
- Several breakout sessions on working with collections donors, ethics and expression in special collections, fundraising and advancement, and ensuring collections reflect our communities
- Lunch included
- Tour of library and campus
- Evening social reception
Thursday, May 29, 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Opening Kickoff Session
- Breakout sessions the complexities of collecting, connecting special collections with the larger library and institution, and special topics to be decided by attendees
- Wellness break
- Lunch Included
- Joint closing session, report outs from breakouts, and determining areas for future collaboration
- Optional Dine Arounds
Friday, May 30, 8:00am to 3:00pm -- OPTIONAL Cutural Activity
- Join us as we take the Metro to the Smithsonian Mall to visit some of the museums together
- We will have lunch downtown D.C. (Lunch is not included)
Unconference Sponsors
About George Mason University
George Mason’s primary campus is located in the City of Fairfax, Virginia. The campus, on 677 wooded acres, is just 20 miles from downtown Washington, D.C.. It is home to most of our undergraduate student population, with more than 6,000 students living in 40 residence halls on campus.
GMU Transportation and Parking: George Mason is located 20 miles from DC. Getting to campus from DC area airports is easy using Uber or Lyft. Public transit is available via the Sandy Creek/Vienna Metro stop on the Orange and Blue lines, connecting by bus or rideshare. Shuttles are available to GMU campus ID holders.
GMU Parking
A valid parking permit (virtual or hangtag) is required to park outside visitor areas. Those without permits should use visitor parking in the garages or in various lots with daily parking options. Virtual parking permits are sold online only at parking.gmu.edu. Permits are sold with daily, weekly, monthly, and semester options.
There are two visitor parking garages located across campus. The Rappahannock Parking Deck First Floor Visitor Section is the closest visitor parking to the Mason Tour and Visitor Center. Locate the Rappahannock Parking Deck using a map of Mason’s Fairfax Campus prior to your visit.
GMU Area Dining
- Off Campus Dining: https://c5i.gmu.edu/restaurants-near-george-mason-fairfax/
- On Campus Dining: (need link to dining that will still be open over the summer)
Lodging at GMU
We are fortunate to be able to offer on campus accommodations for conference attendees. Single suites are available for $56 a night without linens or $87 with linens. Campus housing accommodations feature:
- 24-hour front-desk staff
- Free shuttle service from Mason to the Vienna Metro stop
- Free shuttles to local shopping and dining
- Furnished bedrooms, with an extra-long mattress (for a fee, Mason can provide a linen package with a pillow, pillow case, sheet set, blanket, towel, and washcloth)
- Cable service (guests must provide a television and proper cords)
- Wireless/wired Internet access (guests must provide Ethernet cord)
Or, you can use the local hotel finder: https://campustravel.com/university/george-mason-university/