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.