Being One With Frustration

One of the more frustrating aspects of processing this collection has been my own doing. I have previously mentioned the importance of keeping clear, full notes, so that during processing there is less confusion and back-tracking to be completed. Though I did make that adjustment mid-way through my survey of the accessions, I have once again found during processing that my notes just aren’t quite what one would hope. I know the exactness I expect is often difficult to attain; some folders leave only contextual clues, a hidden scrap of a note, or nothing to determine their contents. I don’t find this surprising, yet each time I come across the word “unknown series” in my notes, I grow slightly unsure why my past self chose to leave the decision-making to present self. The more full the entry, the more complete the title, name, and folder description, the more efficient processing later. This is obvious but accurate and a lesson not to forget when mired in Box 45 of your collection.

Sometimes appearances can be quite deceiving. Early, during my initial survey of the accessions, I came across a few names and associated them with a monograph written by Walter Nugent. The folder name and contents seemed to clearly discuss the main themes and topics in the book; yet, later on, I came across more correspondence between Nugent and these individuals, in regards to a much earlier article on the same general topic! Upon review, it became clear that my early assignment of those first folders was incorrect. Indeed, even the best of notes and best of intentions can still lead to a mistake. I am happy I was able to correct my mistake, though I remain weary that other mistakes may lurk in other areas.

Finally, I also find my ability to recognize relationships in folders and record groups has improved dramatically. Familiarization with the overall collection certainly is the primary reason. Secondarily, I believe I have continued to develop my sense of the structure of archival processing. When working with personal papers, such as I am with my collection, inferences became nearly second nature after a time. I am not certain a small collection could have taught me some of those skills this quickly. I certainly continue to learn much.