Instructor: Robert Desmarais (Bruce Peel Special Collections). Description: The University of Alberta has a long tradition of presenting honorary degrees to inspirational and visionary figures such as Desmond Tutu (2000), Susan Aglukark (2005), Sarah McLachlan (2013), and Rick Mercer (2022). Librarians in Bruce Peel Special Collections have, for several decades, purchased a range of rare books, artworks, print ephemera, and scholarly materials (collectively labelled as “honorary degree books”) to honour the impressive achievements of each honorary degree recipient. The Peel library’s collection of honorary degree books has grown to nearly 500 items in various formats, ranging from handmade tunnel books to letterpress books in beautiful bindings, and their titles and descriptions can be viewed here in an online exhibition. This workshop will introduce participants to the intriguing process of selecting materials for honorary degree recipients with ample opportunity to handle materials and ask questions. This in-person workshop is open only to the University of Alberta community and is capped at 8 participants so it is being offered twice.

The website for Bruce Peel Special Collections offers detailed information about this series of workshops as well as information about research and exhibitions.