National Archives Month: What’s Up in the Archives?

Any collection or item that is “Up in the Archives” always begins by spending sometime “down in the workroom”.  The real archival work takes place in the technical processing room on the first floor of the library, away from the Archive collections room.  Here in the workroom there are always various projects underway that comprise the daily tasks of Archival work.

Archivists are all about arranging files in logical order so they are easier to use.  We research the creators of collections and describe the contents using finding aids and catalog records so users can discover and access them.  We also spend a considerable amount of time preserving and protecting our collections from the elements, using acid-free folders, Mylar sleeves, and sturdy boxes and paying attention to light levels, temperature and humidity.  We even perform a few repairs to those items that have been ripped or torn, or scan and digitize a document to preserve it and provide access via the web. ...a little TLC goes a long way!

Throughout the processing and hands-on work, we can become extremely attached to our documents and their creators…WE LOVE OUR STUFF!  And more importantly, we love to share it.  Does Archival Science sound like something you’d be interested in?  Stop by the library to check out the collections and find out about courses in library, archival, or museum science!