The adventure of the unopened box: Building the Sherlock Holmes collections at the University of Minnesota Libraries

The article traces the historical development and description of significant acquisitions that comprise major portions of the Sherlock Holmes Collections of the University of Minnesota Libraries Special Collections. Beginning with the formation of the Norwegian Explorers, a local scion society of the Baker Street Irregulars of New York, in 1948, the article presents the intertwined nature in the development of this local interest group and the growth of the Holmes Collections. Various strategic acquisitions methodologies, such as donor relations, exhibitions, scholarly publications, and conference development are presented as part of the narrative.