Friday, October 31, 2008

Archivist position


So, about a month ago (I can't believe it's that long ago) I was offered a position as an Archivist with a Fraternity whose national headquarters is in Columbus. It's a sorority really (in that it's an organization that women join in college) however because it started in 1873, it began in the early days when all Greek organizations were called Fraternities, and there was no such thing as sororities.

What would an archivist do for a fraternity/sorority you might ask? Particularly an archivist who was not "affiliated" with any greek organization unless you're talking about Apollo's the great gyro shop on High Street? Well help to manage their collection of artifacts, of course!

In library school, and in general, I have always been intrigued with old books. Old, rare, antique books- I love them. I love the way they smell, the way you can guess how much the owner read them, the way you can see how the publishing industry has advanced in terms of creating books, everything. I've collected a few of my own, and I treasure them. As such, I took a few courses in LIS school about handling rare books and historical children's literature. The Preservation course I took covered everything from microfiche, to film, from museum like artifacts, to planning Disaster Plans. It was a great broad overview of literature and discussion that made me appreciate the hard work that goes into preserving historical and cultural insitutions. Photographs, old film wheels, paper (oh the many kinds of paper) and everything else. The archives hold a little bit of everything -- sketchbooks and handsewn lace from the late 1800s early 1900s; furniture; a typewriter; a quilt; tax forms from 1901; and perhaps the most intriguing (to me) is the 20 foot long closet full of clothing dating back to the 1800s. Everytime I walk into the Archives I find something new. It's very personal. It's a very quiet and personal job, quite the opposite of working in a Public Library, and I have to say that I really really enjoy it.

That being said, the organization hasn't had an archivist for about 4 years. There is definitely a backlog of stuff. Also- they have no database or document outlining their holdings. It's complicated to know what is what- unless you've worked there forever and have been told by an older member or employee. So it's fun and interesting, and challenging. I haven't had a WHOLE lot of time to work there, in that I've been busy with things at my full time librarian job. BUt I have gotten to write a Mission Statement, edit a collection development policy, create a loan agreement, and contemplate the Deed of Gift form. I've also been trying to get demos of Electronic Managment Software, and I may even get my own practicum student once we determine which software to go with and how to move along with creating better access to the archives and archival stuff.

So it's good. I like it. I wish I didn't have to work two jobs, but due to bills, I do. And if I had to pick ANY second job, this would be it. For sure. So I like it.

I'll try to post some pictures of things as I get them...Here's a taste.

Friday, October 24, 2008

too many things and not enough time

I'm sure you're tired of hearing it- on my blog, on every blog, but I don't seem to have time for anything these days! In addition to the fast-paced life in public service, I've taken on a second job as a Part Time Archivist, which is something I've always wanted to do and I LOVE IT! I will definitely be posting more about this later. But the reason for this post is:

We've added on some new staffers at my library, and they seem cool. I like them. But the new girl, Ashley- I've decided that she rocks. To find out why, click here.