DAY 13: Reference To Records

It does take a lot of courage to be able to speak to and address the needs of so many people. Yesterday, I was able to have a real taste of what it is like to work in the reference of the archives. As my previous journal entry have stated, it is not something that I feel comfortable doing but after being able to help someone, you feel accomplishment that keeps you going. Now that I am on my final stretch of my reference work, I just hope I do not mess anything up and be able to deal with other people’s needs. 

JULY 04, 2017 - TUESDAY

After my usual routine in the morning, I arrived at the archives looking worn out and sweaty as usual. I fixed myself up and sat at the desk to wait for any requests. Let’s just say that the morning shift was very quiet. It wasn’t uneventful because I managed to answer a few phone calls and return some of the borrowed materials to their original shelves but after yesterday’s crazy influx of request, today was slower. After our lunchbreak, I returned for the last two hours of my shift and it was busier than the four hours I had in the morning. There were a couple of requests and I was able to help Tricia as she will take over the reference desk. 

At 3PM, I headed to the University Records where I was oriented. First, I had to read a quick guide and I found out that I had to sort out boxes of records between temporary and permanent. My learning from LIS170 would be useful here as we have already discussed what their differences to each other were. 

I put on a face mask and a pair of gloves, something that I thought was really cool because I get to feel like a real-life archivist. I began sorting through the papers and the same feeling I felt in the Serials resurfaced again. Once more, I was exposed to different kinds of records with each telling a different story. I find these things interesting which is why I was having so much fun during my time that I had not noticed that the day was nearly ending. I returned everything to their original place as we were about to head out. I was very much excited with the thought of returning here the next day. The only thing I was afraid of was the fact that I had to remove staples and tape on the paper. I carefully and slowly did this because I did not want to accidentally an important document.

Come to think of it, this is my last station. 

Trying To Look Cool

Tomorrow, I am done with the archives! It would be a sad parting but I have definitely learned a lot from it. I’ll make sure to make the most of my time tomorrow.

Let’s just say that I am extremely hyped to get my hands on those documents again.

- Sam, That New Librarian