End of the semester-

Working on the Stipe Collection turned out to be so much more than just cataloging. Because it is a unique collection of books, travel brochures, clippings, personal correspondence and other miscellaneous items held in filing drawers, it had to be treated almost as if it was a manuscript collection rather than an addition to the library. There are papers that are stapled or paper clipped together that already show rust damage. The metallic holders need to be removed as carefully as possible, and replaced with plastic clips.
However, it is also unique because it will be used by students, and not held in a closed stack environment, and could be weeded.
Looking back over the semester, I would have to say that the greatest learning experience was not the actual cataloging per se, but rather learning how to take charge of a collection in order to organize it. My greatest weakness was that I did not recognize the need for a collection development policy to be put in place as soon as possible. Once I had parameters in place for weeding, the collection began to “come together” more easily.
There is still much work to be done on the collection; I intend to spend as much time on it as possible as a volunteer over the next semester and throughout the holiday break.

December 4th, 2009

Jennifer and I met yesterday at noon to label. All the the forum journals are now on the shelves, and she labeled all of the items from the Stipe Drawer, and books that were donated. I forgot that the other practicum student's books that she cataloged for the IARC were on the cart beside the desk, but it worked out well, because Jennifer can label them in the office, and then I can carry over the completed books next week.

Also, really great news. I don't feel so pressed for time now with this collection. I wrote to Dr. Bird earlier to ask if I could continue working on the collection, and she gave me permission. However, I also asked Mary Jane if I could just work as a volunteer in IARC next semester and finish what I stared. Now I plan on working in IARC over the break (no students!), and throughout the rest of the school year.

November 20th, 2009

Took the day off from other classes just to work on my weeding. It's not easy, because I have to spend much time determining if what I am holding is either historically interesting to students, or has anything written by Dr. Stipe. I am playing it safe, and just getting rid of items that are obvious: the old land deeds from the sixties for instance.

November 25th, 2009

Spent Tuesday and Wednesday until 5:00 working. Wednesday I spent as much time on the computer as possible. I need to meet with Jennifer to get items labeled and ready to go in the drawers. Also, there is a donation of books that are going to the shelves in IARC that Mary Jane has asked me to catalog. I found the records in WorldCat instead of carrying them over to Jackson in the rain. Mary Jane asked me on the 19th if I had noticed how rainy the weather had gotten now that we had to carry so much stuff back and forth (with her foot broken)-- yes, I have! It's been ridiculous.

December 3rd, 2009

Jennifer Ormsby and I are meeting after an appointment at noon to label.