Behind the Curtain is a series highlighting IU Archives staff, partners from various departments of the IU Libraries, and students who make all of our work possible.
What is your title and role in the IU Libraries?
I am an Archives Assistant at the IU Archives, and I am also an assistant to the Arts and Humanities Librarian at Wells Library.
What is your educational background?
I received a bachelor’s degree in Classics and a minor in Linguistics from Princeton University, where I focused on ancient Latin and Akkadian literature. I will be graduating from IU’s Luddy School this May with a Master’s in Library Science, specializing in Archives and Records Management.
Tell us about your previous work experience
During undergrad I worked in Princeton’s music library. My duties were initially limited to circulation, reference, and general library upkeep, but as I became more interested in librarianship I took on more back-end responsibilities, including working on the library’s digital projects. I had always considered pursuing a career in libraries and archives, but this experience really solidified my decision to do so. At IU, I’ve enjoyed getting a broad experience working at multiple repositories on campus. I’ve spent most of my time at the IU Archives, but I’ve worked on projects with other departments at Wells Library, and I’ve just finished an internship with the Oral History Archive at IU’s Center for Documentary Research and Practice.
How do you work or partner with the IU Archives?
Primarily, I accession and process physical and digital materials, and I write blog posts to highlight interesting collections I work with. I also aid in fielding reference requests and occasionally assist in classroom instruction.
Do you have a favorite experience (or something you’re most proud of) from working with the IU Archives?
I’m most proud of my work processing the Joe Hickerson collection. Hickerson is a folk musician and retired archivist, and he received a master’s degree in Folklore and Ethnomusicology from IU. At the time it was the largest collection I had processed, and it remains the most complex in terms of material format and preservation considerations. I learned a lot about the intricacies of archival processing from that collection, and I had a lot of fun reflecting on my experience with it in a blog post.
Favorite item or collection in the IU Archives?
Among my first assignments was processing the materials of Jacob Ammen, who was a professor of mathematics and military science at IU and served as a brigadier general for the Union Army in the Civil War. Not only was the experience of processing his collection foundational, but the materials themselves were insanely cool. It’s not every day that you get to handle a Civil-War-era revolver and officer’s sword!
What project are you currently working on?
Currently I am processing the materials of IU’s Groups Scholars Program, which is a program started in the 1960s that aims to provide financial and educational support for students from underrepresented backgrounds. I’m also contributing to the initiative to digitize the Indiana Daily Student newspaper: I manage the creation of metadata in preparation for transfer to our external digitization vendor.
What’s something you’ve learned working at the archives that you’ll take forward into your future career?
I think I will carry practically everything I’ve learned at the IU Archives with me into my future career. While I’ve focused mostly on processing, I appreciate that I’ve been able to dip my toes into many different aspects of archival management. From reference and instruction, to digital initiatives, to public engagement and outreach, I think the IU Archives have equipped me with the skills to succeed wherever I may find myself in the archives world.
What’s next for you?
I’m not sure! As I finish up my degree, I’ve started applying and interviewing for jobs around the country. I’m not totally sure where I’ll land, but I’m excited to see what the future holds.
