I’ve never worked in a public library – the closest I’ve come is my student work at the University of Michigan Special Collections, which includes several archives.
While I quickly gravitated towards digital preservation, I still have a special place in my heart for the traditional archive. Archives are not neutral – they only contain what we choose to preserve. I think we should be preserving local history that tells the stories we don’t often get to hear.
As the volunteer Archivist for Third Unitarian Church, I spend one day each week in a partially air-conditioned, 92-year-old building preserving their history. I am in the early stages of processing a closet full of newsletters, hymns, photography, cassettes (extra fun!), and the papers of previous ministers. We have photography from the late 1800s, pamphlets about humanism, and newsletters encouraging our congregation to support our local unions. Some members of our congregation marched with Dr. King and helped found organizations that continue to make Chicago a better place for all to live. It’s important and satisfying work, and having the space to do it is one of the reasons why I chose to transition to consulting.
I will always choose to get my hands dirty to help others. It fills my cup, and, as a bonus, contributes to my experience working with information of all kinds. Getting to help organizations tell their story, in both my personal and professional life, is a privilege I don’t take for granted.
Let’s talk about how I can dig in and help your organization tell your story.