Moving Along

My second week in the archives began with an email reference query from a patron.  I was asked to find some basic biographical information on a former professor here at IU.  The archives have accumulated several filing cabinets full of background information over the years, and in these I found the information sought.  A short time later the question had been answered.  I was more than happy to help the patron and I'm looking forward to more reference questions in the future.

Once again I delved into papers of the Walter Nugent collection this week.  This accession is currently composed of 34 boxes of personal materials and 7 boxes of reprinted materials (books and articles).  By the end of my time on Tuesday I had completed my survey of the papers.  As I surveyed the accession, I kept a list identifying the primary series, folders, and any other media in each box.  I was able to connect potential series and sub-series during this cursory review.  Though most of the materials are in very good order and follows a clear and organized pattern, some re-arrangement will be required.

I ended my week by typing out a container list.  The opportunity to review notes refreshed my own memory and allowed for the recognition of a few new arrangements.  Each time I survey the papers I become more familiar with the component threads woven throughout.  As a result, I believe I have developed a good plan for processing the accession; now I must take my ideas and put them to paper.  Next week:  a processing plan, and hopefully, execution of said plan!