January 2014
Having recently received my master's in library and information science, I was aware of the steep drop off in healthy stress (papers, projects, assignments, presentations, deadlines, and exams) brought on by graduate school. Also, there is matter of the reintroduction of a concept known as free time. The combination of the lack of stress and the addition of free time creates a mental shock which can be characterized by feelings of loss, confusion, guilt, and even depression--an intellectual recession, if you will.
Having experienced all of this immediately after receiving my master's in history back in 2008, I knew what to expect and was better prepared to handle it this time. For starters, I had a full-time job, so there was still an amount of healthy stress available. Living in DC, I was more than up to the challenge of finding creative and innovative ways to make good use of my free time.
That said, I stayed productive in terms of both my educational and professional development. In addition to attending the American Historical Association's (AHA) annual meeting in DC, I attended a symposium held at the Catholic University of America and presented a poster and participated in a round of lightning talks. While there, two of my professors recommended that I sign up to present a poster at the Society of American Archivists' (SAA) annual meeting in August. So, I followed their advice.
March 2014
After months of delays, I finally began my detail in the Library of Congress's (LOC) Rare Books and Special Collections Division (RBSCD). More specifically, I served as a library technician in the Rare Books Reading Room, where I signed in visitors, provided research assistance, and handled materials in the RBSCD's collections.
It's difficult to fully grasp or appreciate the RBSCD's materials. Still, it's fair to say that the RBSCD houses what one would expect when they consider it houses some of the crown jewels of the LOC. Each day brought new discoveries and experiences. While I thoroughly enjoyed working with my colleagues and other LOC staff, it was great meeting visiting scholars, library donors, VIPs, and general researchers.
Highlights from my experience include handling first editions signed by literary immortals like Twain, Whitman, and Wilde and handling letters by Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson's Nobel Peace Prize, medieval manuscripts, incunabula, and handling materials from the Jefferson Collection.
Below are several pictures taken from an amazing exhibit in May in which highlighted several portions of the RBSCD's collection
The latter is of particular importance, because in addition to being my favorite president, Jefferson's collection of books function as a symbol of the LOC's foundation and mission. My supervisor, Mark Dimunation, received visitors from PBS in July 2014, and he was featured in a video which addresses the history and significance of the Jefferson Collection.
Working in the RBSCD gave me the opportunity to assess my career and just what exactly I wanted to do. For instance, the title of this blog suggests a career in archives or digital collections. However, working in the RBSCD helped me focus on my passion on the topic of history, and I realized that there are all kinds of ways to both enjoy and pursue it.
August 2014
My detail in the RBSCD ended and I returned to the Copyright Office. In the middle of August, I attended the SAA's annual meeting and presented a poster on digital collections and worked a booth representing the LOC and National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections (NUCMC).
The meeting gave me an opportunity to reconsider my interests in pursuing a PhD. While the interest was there, I was hesitant to commit myself to a particular track until I could determine the exact path my career was taking. For instance, if I were to stay in the Copyright Office, a PhD in history or library science made little sense. The only logical path to take would be pursuing a law degree (which is of little interest). Likewise, if I were to end up working in a museum or the RBSCD, then a PhD in history or American studies makes more sense than a PhD in library science or digital humanities.
Ultimately, the decision would have to wait.
October 2014
After an interviewing, I was offered a job with the Smithsonian Institution Libraries, or simply Smithsonian Libraries (SIL). A library tech position, I would be working at the National Air & Space Museum (NASM) and the Museum Support Center (MSC). Receiving this job was evidence of persistence, networking, and just a bit of serendipity. It was also the fruition of the proverbial "dream come true." As my relatives can attest, it was visits to NASM as a child which stimulated my interest in history.
I remember visiting family in DC in the early 1980s. None of those visits was complete without trips to the Air & Space or Natural History Museums. As a kid who grew up on Star Wars and films like The Right Stuff and The Final Countdown, I was in awe by the sites and features of NASM. It simply seemed like the coolest place on earth. The opportunity to work there was just a dream.
November 2014
I began my new job with SIL on November 17th. The first two weeks were a marathon of meeting coworkers, attending tours, orientations, presentations, meetings, and undergoing a few training sessions to familiarize myself with how the SIL and its technologies operated.
Ultimately, the decision would have to wait.
October 2014
After an interviewing, I was offered a job with the Smithsonian Institution Libraries, or simply Smithsonian Libraries (SIL). A library tech position, I would be working at the National Air & Space Museum (NASM) and the Museum Support Center (MSC). Receiving this job was evidence of persistence, networking, and just a bit of serendipity. It was also the fruition of the proverbial "dream come true." As my relatives can attest, it was visits to NASM as a child which stimulated my interest in history.
I remember visiting family in DC in the early 1980s. None of those visits was complete without trips to the Air & Space or Natural History Museums. As a kid who grew up on Star Wars and films like The Right Stuff and The Final Countdown, I was in awe by the sites and features of NASM. It simply seemed like the coolest place on earth. The opportunity to work there was just a dream.
November 2014
I began my new job with SIL on November 17th. The first two weeks were a marathon of meeting coworkers, attending tours, orientations, presentations, meetings, and undergoing a few training sessions to familiarize myself with how the SIL and its technologies operated.
The road ahead is filled with numerous tasks and challenges. In addition to performing basic reference tasks, I also provide circulation assistance, research assistance, and am surveying materials in the collection for cataloging, preservation needs, weeding, and potential digitization. I have also volunteered my years of experience in the Copyright Office, so there may be room to put those skills to use down the road.
Highlights of the past few weeks include attending a presentation on climate change by retiring Smithsonian Secretary, G. Wayne Clough and receiving tours of the National Museum of Natural History and Museum Support Center.
December 2014
This month is still underway, but there are numerous events taking place. The Smithsonian just held its annual holiday festival, and tomorrow, Secretary Clough will be giving his farewell address.
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