I had a grand plan to make a nice and tidy little post on “A day in the life of an archivist”. I was doomed from the start.
An archivist’s day is neither linear nor common. So many different possibilities exist within that little 8-hour time frame in which we work. You might sit down to begin processing a collection and a patron walks in with a question. You might be loading up the scanner when you’re suddenly called away to speak with a donor. In the great Chuck Berry’s words, “…it goes to show you never can tell”.
Therefore, the following represents some of the activities that might take place during a “typical” day in our Head Archivist’s world. While all activities are subject to change, you can guaran-darn-tee that Steve WILL NOT be missing his early morning coffee!
Books are so tangible, precious and magic. When I was studying in SIBL (Science and Public Library) in New York I could’ve cried while observing all these books on the shelves.
These were not “just” books to me, no, these were minds, thoughts, ideas, feelings of thousands and thousands before me and better than me, people that left us legacy…
I agree with Rachael. Yet too often we assume that because we live in modern times, ancient knowledge is no longer important. Then mankind goes on to make the same mistakes over and over again!
well in my opinion reading the rare books text is the best time of your work..beside coffee…
I agree with Rachel, that books are a legacy and no matter how technology tries to replace books; nothing will be able to replace the experience of flipping pages, texture and processing the written word.
Yes, for sure, coffee makes reading even the most mundane text most bearable. Will ereaders take off? I don’t think so – the feel, smell and warmth of holding a book cannot be replaced! Just my personal opinion!