Arrangement and Description: Archivists At Large discussion

Looks like we have a bunch of new members -- yay! Welcome, everybody. Feel free to make a short post here to introduce yourself and maybe tell us a bit about you, if you like. Or feel free to lurk quietly in the stacks...

I am the Supervisor for Public Services at the State Library of PA. We have one of the largest PA newspaper collections that we are constantly working with. I am also the gov docs librarian. We have been a depository since 1858 and don't throw anything away!
Kathy

I'm the local history/archives librarian for the Eagle Valley Library District in Colorado (between Vail and Aspen). I work closely with the Eagle County Historical Society, hold their archives, and spend a great deal of time with the public. I live in Glenwood Springs so my commute is about an hour and I listen to audiobooks, of course.

I am the archivist at the Phillips Library at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA. We have wonderful collections of maritime history, Essex County (MA) families, military records, rare books, and lots more. I'm currently working on an NHPRC grant to process 74 collections and we are packing the library to move out temporarily while the buildings are renovated. I also like to ski, hike, attend theater, travel, and read.

Jenny wrote: "...Association for Gravestone Studies..."

Have to ask, what is that? Sounds interesting.

I have a hybrid position for a "digital archive" that isn't really an archive, but a research project for Cold War studies which makes non-US archival documents available online (the majority from former Soviet countries, sometimes scans of originals, but mostly English translations).

I am a metadata librarian for JSTOR/Ithaka; it's not exactly "archival work" per se since JSTOR is more a digital repository than an archive, but my background is in archives and record management and I've done some project work for Portico, the preservation branch of the organization.
It's almost funny, working for JSTOR; they're all about the digital copies, and I can't stand e-readers and the like. It's just not a real book...

How cool, Jenny! I have a friend of a friend's mom who has done extensive research in local graveyards for a certificate of genealogy. I wonder if she's a member.

Kathy wrote: "I am the Supervisor for Public Services at the State Library of PA. We have one of the largest PA newspaper collections that we are constantly working with. I am also the gov docs librarian. We hav..."

Hello Kathy. My name is Teresa. I just moved to Harrisburg from Tempe, Arizona and I am currently between library positions. I was wondering if you could tell me how to find volunteer positions in the area, so that I can keep up my skills while I settle into Harrisburg.

I am a former archivist, having worked at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library in Columbus, Mississippi, and at the DRT Library at the Alamo. I have moved into becoming an author, editor, literary agent, and publisher. My personal website is at http://www.russelldjames.com/ and my business website is http://www.jamesliteraryservices.com/.

Like Kathy, I am also in Harrisburg, but work for the State Archives as Chief of the Records Services. In other words I appraise government records and do records management. I'm fortunate enough to be able to do a little processing.
I'm looking forward to hearing what books are out there that relate to archives, I only know of a few!

Cindy wrote: "I'm looking forward to hearing what books are out there that relate to archives, I only know of a few..."

Hi Cindy, welcome! Be sure to check the group bookshelf and if the ones you know of aren't on there, feel free to add them. You can include something in the "why this book" field to explain what's archive-y about it.

Barbara wrote: "I am a metadata librarian for JSTOR/Ithaka; it's not exactly "archival work" per se since JSTOR is more a digital repository than an archive, but my background is in archives and record management ..."

Ah, the eternal question of what is and isn't an archive ;) There are a number of books on the group bookshelf that involve digital or electronic archives.

Theresa, You could go to Dauphin County Public Library downtown or to one of the other branches, They are always looking for volunyeers.

Kathy wrote: "Theresa, You could go to Dauphin County Public Library downtown or to one of the other branches, They are always looking for volunyeers."

Thank you

I am at the tail end of my MLIS program at San Jose State University and have every intention of working as an archivist as soon as someone will hire me. I read compulsively (no, really) and am looking forward to people's recommendations.

My name is Robin and I live in San Clemente, California.

I've worked as a medical librarian and in hospital and pharmaceutical archives. Currently working part-time in a public library system.

I'm so glad that this group exists.

Hi--I'm Diana, and I am the archivist for 2 private educational institutions in North Carolina. I like reading about archives and archivists, conservators, etc. My current favorite "archives" book is "People of the Book" by Geraldine Brooks.

Hi All -

I'm Alison Stankrauff - the (Lone Arranger) Archivist and an Associate Librarian at Indiana University South Bend.

Happy to join this group... I'm interested in lots of facets of our profession... (Perhaps) especially ethics in the profession...

Hi Erica, welcome. Funny how many of us have come to "archivists" as a second (or third, or fourth, or whatever) career, isn't it?