by Jennifer Crutchfield, Head Editor, INALJ Connecticut

My Experience as an Archivist: Part 1

In my previous place of employment, I noticed a small room in the front of the library labeled “Archives Room”. Having a specialization in archives management, this sparked my interest and I asked if I could spend an hour or two of my time processing the materials within the archives. Until this time the archives had been severely neglected and the 50^th anniversary was fast approaching. There was no processing of materials taking place, so there was a lot of work to be done.

 

I was very excited to have this new role as a “lone arranger” and I was able to process a good amount of the existing collection. I was not able to give the archives all the attention it needed, but this was a step towards the right direction.

 

Fast forward about 10 months and I have been asked to return work as the archivist a few hours a week. I am thrilled with to be back in the archives that I helped create and develop, but there was a major hurdle that had presented itself while I was gone. There was a massive leak in the Archives!  Many boxes needed to be moved so that the leak could be fixed, but thankfully nothing has been lost. Needless to say, it has been a challenge to collect all misplaced boxes and I still have a few missing.

 

I have been reorganizing the archives as well. When I was working there only an hour or two a week, I didn’t have the luxury of time to put organize the way I would have liked to. My main goal in the past was to get as much processed as I could so that we knew what was in the archive. Now I am organizing all the boxes that I have processed through the years.

 

There is definitely a lack of space. I feel like every week new items come into the archives and the pressure of having a limited amount of space can be overwhelming at times. For example, while I was not working in the archives there were about 6 boxes of Athletics department records that were donated. My only fear is that my space will run out and I will not know where to house all these materials. I am fortunate in that there is some available space in the neighboring storage room that I can use to house larger items.

 

My plan of action in this first stage of developing an efficient archives is to find and reorganize all misplaced boxes and creating a less complex finding aid. Also, there is a large collection of newspaper clippings that needs to be weeded of any items insignificant to the college. I would also like to process new items. I know surprises will present themselves and I will have to change my plan.

Is anyone else in a similar situation? I would love to read what others in similar situations have to say. I will continue my updates in a later posts and share with you what happens through the lifespan of this project.