EDITORS' NOTE

Abstract

There are among us skeptics who insist that academic critical theory has nothing to do with the core activities of special collections librarians—the acquisition, preservation, and accessibility of primary research materials. For those adhering to the more traditional philosophical underpinnings of special collections librarianship an alternative intellectual posture may threaten to disturb ideas thought inviolate. Proponents of the critical theory argument believe that every action and decision is informed by a set of epistemological acts to which the more general term of “theory” is applied. Lacking the familiar and tangible practicality, this becomes a disquieting and controversial position. And, . . .