An Introduction into the World of Archives

     This week I began my internship at the University of Loyola Chicago Archives and Special Collections. The Archives were founded in 1938 by John Mortell, S.J.. The mission of the Archives and Special Collections is to collect and preserve the history of Loyola University Chicago and assist researchers in using the collections. It holds over 8,000 linear feet of collections that include Loyola records; Catholic collections; the papers of Samuel Insull and several of his employees and companies; faculty, staff, and alumni papers, political papers, and many more. Rare books are part of the Special Collections which contains over 12,000 volumes. The staff here provide a fountain of knowledge, support, and encouragement to every person that walks through their doors.
      

                                                                             

My work area, some of the boxes from the Dorr Felt Collection

    
                           

     From the moment I walked in I found myself immersed in the world of the Archives. We began by deciding on the collection I will be working on first. During the semester I will be working on processing a collection, creating a digital collection, and learn the various responsibilities of working in  archives. The collection I will be working on is Dorr Felt; Air Board of Chicago. In order to begin the process we first reorganized collections. In order to have space to bring the Dorr Felt collection to my work area, we first needed to bring a collection into another storage area. This was a great way to start the day, I love to organize and reorganize everything. With so many types of storage I was reminded of the Container Store - but better! Once my area was set up I began the work of processing. Rule number one: pencils only! My first step in processing is to go through every box and find out what it contains. I am currently working on creating a list of the types of sources (articles, correspondence, personal notes) and the main subject for each box. I have around 25 boxes to go through, and later there are additional boxes that will be utilized. So far, I have finished 8 and I am loving every second of it. It is amazing to see the differences between the 1920's and now, while at the same time recognizing how many aspects remain constant. One difference is the spelling - clue was spelled clew. The political cartoons remind me of the same issues going on today.


  
                                                                


A political cartoon in the newspaper