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Re: Poor saps



OK, so you have these bosses that ask you to do insane tasks, or that
disregard the rules/regulations that have been put in place to care for the
collections (often with the retort: I've been here for x long, or have x
status, I'll do what I want to.). So we are the 'poor saps' stuck on the
other end of this. Is there anything we can do about this? Are we stuck as
the 'lowly peon' who is good for taking care of those books & photos &
stuff, but have no real power/authority? I really like the place where I am
working, but have had some difficult personalities to deal with higher up on
the food chain, so have been wrestling with this issue in my own mind.
Everywhere you go in this field, there will be well-meaning bosses who have
little to no clue as to what we do or the reasons for it. So, I play the
game. I pick and choose my battles, both the issues and the opponents. One
reason why I enjoy this list so much is because I realize there are many
others in archives land who are struggling with similar issues.

On another note, I have had the experience of being treated as an 'outsider'
in some archives circles. True, professionalism is needed and should be a
goal for those in charge of archives. But, what does professionalism entail?
I went to grad school to get the knowledge I needed to work at a small
historical society/museum. Because of an earlier internship at a local
historical society I realized that archives (not just objects) are an
important part of historical societies that are often overlooked. With the
intent to learn more about archival practices & issues, I attended a
regional archives organization conference. There was one session on
'introduction to archival practices'. Many people from small historical
agencies came with the intent to learn the basics to apply to their
collections. Now, we are talking small, little-funded agencies that have 1
paid staff. The panel that taught that session basically kept reiterating
that these people should get their MLIS with archival concentration or hire
a trained archivist with the implication that 'we' just didn't cut it. To be
honest, I was really put off by that! I can understand why there have been
so many reactions to this thread of 'poor saps'. I think the fact that
people in charge of archives are actively searching for info. says a lot!!
Let's face it: we don't get paid enough to warrent getting a couple of
master's degrees just to know what we need to.

I must say that my opinion of the field of archives has changed since that
first impression. I had an internship with wonderful archivists during grad
school. I have had wonderful experiences at the recent MAC/MARAC conference
& with the Society of Ohio Archivists. This listserv, with all its different
personalities, shows the immense diversity of archivists! I appreciate all
the assistance people have provided through this listserv and other
organizations.

Thanks for letting me babble! :)
Bridgette (never thought I'd be on a soapbox, but glad to be off!)

Bridgette A. Kelly, Special Collections Manager
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
714 N. Portage Path
Akron, OH  44303
ph: 330-315-3232   fax: 330-836-2680
BKelly@stanhywet.org   www.stanhywet.org

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