respectfully describing side show performers

-

 This is very interesting to me. Back in 2007 when I had an exhibit in the Clarke on MI circus and carnival one of my guest speakers was Erin Foley, then the reference librarian at the Baraboo, WI, Robert L. Parkinson Research Library, which has a massive collection of circus and carnival historical collections. She delivered a fantastic presentation at CMU which discussed the impact of circus and carnival on the US and the challenges and limitations within the Library of Congress subject heading system to accurately and respectfully describe circus and carnival performers. Well, finally someone else is tackling this and with the omnipresent digital everything now has a broader audience to make more people aware of these issues. Here is a link to the blog: https://saadescription.wordpress.com/2022/11/14/putting-a-name-to-harm-remediating-the-titles-of-the-sideshow-performers-collection/ The blog which describes how an archivist is approaching and dealing with the challenges of describing sideshow performers.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

25th work anniversary

-
Image
Today is my 25th work year anniversary. I don't think anyone knows it but me. On July 5, 1996 I parked in the small lot west of Park Library and took the elevator to 4th floor. I had just cracked my windshield and was so embarrassed about it. My desk was in a work room with a kitchen where everyone ate, no privacy at all. My first job with a few students was processing Senator Griffin's 400 cubic foot collection. I had a brand new, huge computer that wasn't plugged in yet. It took up most of my desk space. When I taught Lib 197 we did so in a room where only I had a computer. My job has morphed so much since then. I am grateful for all the positives over the years and through my various jobs. Mostly it's been good. I try to learn from the good and the bad. I thank God for  this job and the interesting work I've done, and mostly for my amazing students throughout the years, and all the wonderful people on and off campus I've met and collaborated with and been pri
Read more

Clarke Historical Library job announcement

-
 We have a new staff technical position in the Clarke Historical Library, the Archives & Reference Specialist. The person will work approximately 1/3 of their time with me processing and approximately 2/3 of their time with Bryan assisting with reference and outreach services. Applicants must apply on the CMU Jobs page by August 19, 2024. See https://www.jobs.cmich.edu/postings/41105. 
Read more

Meet my summer archives processing student Brandon Horn

-
Image
  Hello! I'm Brandon Horn, a senior at  Central Michigan University (CMU) studying Social Science with one more semester to go in my undergrad. During my two-month tenure over the summer, I processed CMU Athletics files, meticulously cataloging and preserving important historical documents and records. This involved examining a variety of materials, from game statistics, photographs, and event programs to media questionnaires, assisting Marian Matyn in ensuring they were accurately documented and stored from where they were previously in the Athletics Department's basement. Additionally, I played a crucial role in organizing and creating digital finding aids for these collections to help future researchers easily locate each item.   I was drawn to archival work because it allows me to connect with the past in a tangible way that tells an important part of CMU's storied past. Each document, photograph, and artifact captures a moment frozen in time, reflecting the experiences
Read more