ATLA Workshop - Advice wanted

[Health Sciences Libraries Consortium <exlibris@SHRSYS.HSLC.ORG>]

I have been asked to be 1 of 3 presentors at a half-day preconference workshop,
given by the American Theological Libraries Association.  The program
description is provided below.  My question is - if you had a few hours to give
advice to librarians who are not rare book types on how to handle those few
old/unusual/rare/valuable items that show up in collections, what would you
tell them?  That is, what would be the few essential points you would want them
to take home with them?  I have several ideas, but would like to see what
others regard as important.  Please respond directly to me.  I can imagine
this becoming a voluminous debate topic which the rest of the list might not
appreciate.  I will provide a summary.  Thanks to all.

Ruth I. Hughes
Rare Book Librarian
Ryan Memorial Library
Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary   INTERNET: STCTHELIB@HSLC.ORG
1000 East Wynnewood Road         TELEPHONE: (610) 667-3394 ext. 276
Wynnewood, PA   19096                  FAX: (610) 664-7913

Program description:
Many seminary and divinity school libraries have at least a small collection of
rare books, yet few have the financial and personnel resources to manage such
collections effectively.  This workshop will focus on the management of special
collections when resources are in short supply.  How do you assess the
scholarly and monetary value of your collection?  How should you house, secure
and preserve rare books?  How will you provide bibliographic access?  Who
should be given access?  Do you need special insurance for special collections?
How does the collection relate to current collection development and overall
institutional programs?  How might the collection be used for public relations
purposes?  This interactive workshop will be led by a diverse panel of special
collection practitioners.  There will also be a display of bibliographic
resources on the topic.