New Exhibit: Out of Scope
Explore Unexpected Artifacts in Special Collections
As a library department focused on research, many of the artifacts accumulated by Special Collections over the past century don’t always get their exhibit spotlight like we think they should! Now on display are many of these fascinating, sometimes mysterious artifacts in the collection, highlighting unique stories and histories with ties to the University and our region at the new exhibit – Out of Scope, Unexpected Artifacts in Special Collections
What is “Out of Scope”?
Like most museums, a libraries’ special collections are often defined by their “scope,” that is, certain criteria and parameters that guide collection development. For University of Washington Libraries, that scope is textual materials (vs. artifacts) focused on University history (i.e. photographs, books, faculty papers, research artifacts, etc.) as well as materials that document local and regional histories – cultural, civic, environmental, etc. Smaller collecting areas include rare books and book arts, costume textiles, and atlas and travel collections. Where museums collect materials that tell a story for the viewer, research Libraries collections are meant for direct engagement with materials for research purposes, allowing the user to create something new through the discovery of new information or perspectives from primary sources.
The Great Unknown
Many of the out-of-scope materials came to the Libraries as part of larger collections, but those particular items were not well documented, and their origin story is unknown. There are also some “mystery” items whose purpose and use are also unknown. Come and see the exhibit, maybe you will have the answer!
Something New To See
“This first rotation of the exhibit represents just the tip of the iceberg,” says Director of Special Collections, Lisa Oburg. “Because many of the materials are extremely fragile, they are not intended to be kept on display for long periods of time. We plan to rotate the materials throughout the year so visitors have the opportunity to see many different items from the collection.”
There are currently more than 200 items on display. While all are encouraged to view the exhibit in person to get the full “scope” on these artifacts, here are a few highlights…
Student Life
- 1870s- UW’s first “yearbook” – students etched their predictions about the future on to parchment stored in a custom-made log, created from a giant Washington Elm that was removed from campus
- Logo sweaters, and the “freshman beanie”
- Athletic programs, one sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes!
| FUN FACT: Changing Scope When materials come to Special Collections, sometimes they include non-textual items that are outside the scope, but the Library keeps them because they are part of the given collection. When the collection scope changes at an institution, collections often can move to other institutions. For example, The Burke was the de facto campus museum until it reevaluated its scope to indigenous and natural history. When it shifted its scope, some of those “out of scope” materials were moved to UW Libraries Special Collections or the Museum of History and Industry. |
Film and sound technology of the past
- Wax cylinder recording, the 1800’s version of a record or CD
- Moviescop -to view 16mm film reels
- Tapes! VHS, cassettes, and more!
UW Medicine
- Antique medical instruments, kits, medicines (what’s in the green jar?)
- UW School of Nursing Dolls and Hats – legend has it that these dolls, each representing nursing uniforms from different eras, were on display at UW Nursing School and were transferred to Special Collections at an unknown date, along with school documents and actual nursing uniforms. Nurses used to be identified by their hat type, each style representing their individual nursing school. The handmade model hats in the display reflect this out-of-style requirement.
Local Matchbooks – a standard amenity at most restaurants and businesses in the mid-century; you can see a variety of matchbooks from Canlis, 13 Coins, Dahlia Lounge, Benihana and many more!
Out of Scope Gallery Talks!
Explore unique materials in the collection and the exhibit with insights and stories from the curators all year long!
- Unexpected Artifacts in Special Collections December 18th 10-11am
- Out of Scope: Textiles ; Thursday, Jan 8, 2026, 10 – 11 a.m.
- Out of Scope: PNW Artifacts; Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Out of Scope: UW Artifacts; Thursday, Mar 19, 2026, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Out of Scope: Analog Recordings; Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Out of Scope: Digital Collections; Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 10 – 11 a.m.
- Out of Scope: Ethnographic Recordings; Tuesday, Jun 2, 2026, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Out of Scope: Labor History; Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Out of Scope: Rare Book and Book Arts; Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026, 10 – 11 a.m.
Special Collections is located on the basement level of Suzzallo and Allen Libraries. The exhibit is in the Special Collections Reading Room, and can be viewed during open hours (Monday through Friday, 1 PM – 4:45 PM)
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