Peckham was especially interested in social history, material culture, the decorative arts, Indian captivity narratives and early architectural books. He made purchases in these areas when collector interest in them was low and prices were very reasonable. He saw it as a place for advanced scholarship only, a place apart from the University's general teaching function and from its general library system. Now, however, the Clements is deeply involved in undergraduate education. Undergraduates studying American history, literature and political science use the library regularly, a privilege that used to be enjoyed only by senior scholars.
Classes even meet here.
Students are excited by exposure to original materials. I occasionally teach, and you can't believe how excited students are when they get an original letter or pamphlet in hand. You are showing students a great deal of respect in letting them do this. It's telling them, you are competent to analyze the past without needing an interpretation of the material from textbook writers. Not to mention the fact that they get to see and touch old things.