I had a plan, but I did not have the means to execute that plan. Yet, this was not a point of frustration. I found my way back to make a list of items, for this time my planning involved specific boxes and folders. For example, for the Publications series, I went through my large container list and pulled out all folders associated with each publication. I listed each publication chronologically, carefully noting the boxes and folders containing materials for each title. In this manner I created a comprehensive list of all folders for each series, sub-series, and record group for the entirety of the Nugent Collection. I thoroughly enjoyed hammering out an action list from the outline of my overall processing plan. Finally, this archive thing became exciting and, for lack of a better word, fun. Now I was on to something.
This step seems obvious now, and I can only imagine an experienced archivist heartily laughing at my trials. Part of being a novice is realizing your limitations, and I certainly was confronted by those each day. In any case, with more lists than ever in my hands, I went back to that first box, pulled out the first folder, and... started processing. Slowly at first, then with more efficiency, I began to make my way through the research, correspondence, and drafts associated with Professor Nugent's first published monograph. The papers were nearly 50 years old, and required new folders and the removal of very rusty paper clips. I tagged folders with photographs for later special processing. Within an hour I had processed more than a dozen folders. I was finally, FINALLY, putting all those hours surveying, note-taking, and list-making to good use. Relief. Happiness. Self-confidence. This is the work I was meant to do.
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