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Emory University Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library
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Label Copy Assignment

Introduction

For this assignment, students will examine materials in the Rose Library, selecting five objects to include in an imagined exhibit. Students write descriptive display labels of 200 words for each of their selected objects, and they will write a 500 word introduction to their exhibit. Students will arrange the labels in the order of their imagined exhibit.

    Learning Outcomes

    After completing this assignment, students will be able to

    • conduct archival research
    • read library catalogue and finding aid information
    • practice appropriate care and handling of archival materials
    • write for a specific audience
    • identify and write within given genre conventions
    Preparation for Session

    In order to make the most of your time during your Rose Library Session, please be sure to prepare your students in advance.

    • Instructor should provide a clear goal of what students should accomplish during rotations
    • Prior to the session, students should understand what they are looking for while examining the materials
    • Students should have a clear sense of what they need to know about an object to complete the assignment successfully
    Visit

    Here’s what you can expect during your class session

    • Introduction to the Rose Library (if this is the first class visit)
    • Introduction to the materials in use
    • Care and handling instructions
    • Speed dating session format (recommended)
    Final Products

    For this assignment, students produce five 200 word labels and one 500 word introduction.

    Instructors may require students to create blog posts or other low-stakes writing as scaffolding activities in preparation for creating their labels.

    Instructors may require students to write a reflection essay in which they explain and justify the selections they made for their exhibition and the rhetorical choices they made in crafting and arranging their labels.

    Recommended Collections

    Any collection, or combination of materials from different collections, can be used for this assignment. Relevant collections will vary with course topics. Please consult with Rose Library staff to determine how our materials can best serve your course goals.

    Suggested collections:

    Tips

    This assignment works best if students have a strong sense of connection between the artifacts they are viewing, so in selecting materials for your students to see, try to find items that have a clear relationship, or consider how you can help your students find the connection.

    It is also recommended that students develop a "curatorial statement" in their introduction label that articulates the argument or narrative of their exhibition. This spin on the thesis statement allows students to build on prior knowledge and leads to discussions about genre, audience, and purpose.

    Citation

    To cite this page:

    Harsh, Sarah. "Label Copy Assignment," Rose Library Teaching with Archives Portal, [date of access], http://rose.library.emory.edu/instruction/portal/assignments/label-copy.html.

    Please cite this portal and give credit to the creator when using this assignment

     

    Creator

    Sarah Harsh
    PhD Candidate in the Department of English at Emory

    Used In 
    ENG 101 Expository Writing: Writing about Travel
    Intensive writing course fulfilling first-year writing requirement, with a focus on multi-genre composition and rhetorical skills. Travel was the topic of this particular class

    Adaptability 
    Also used in an ENG 181 class. This assignment is highly flexible and adaptable for various topics and disciplines such as literature, composition, history, art history. It can also be adapted for use in upper-level classes.

    Highlighted Materials

    Course Materials
    Printable Assignment Sheet