#libraries and archives

[whathehe11]

This is a friendly reminder that libraries exist and that they have more than just books.

Now, some libraries have more services than others but even the most basic libraries will have shelves upon shelves of dvd, cd, books, games, etc… that you can borrow and use for free(!!!)

Some more bougie libraries will also have other awesome stuff.

For example, I once went to a library with a recording booth with a good quality mic, they had a green screen room, cameras that could be borrowed, computers with the Adobe suite to do editing, as well as a plethora of other resources and help from librarians.

Another thing, ask what your local librarians can do. They often are really good at researching and also might be able to borrow things from other libraries as well.

Also, once you get a library card you can sign up for Libby that has a ton of books and audio books (again) for free.

Personally I just borrowed the 4th series of doctor who and have been watching the episodes and extra content on the dvds. I’m having a blast!

[u-mspcoll]

More love for Trans Awareness Week

"Trans Rights are Human Rights"

Labadie Collection Pinback Buttons LBC.1588

[dougielombax]

Silence?

In the library?

It’s more likely than you think!

[happy-mokka]

God.

Book lover's paradise... 📚

The library of Trinity College in Dublin. Est. 1592.

Imagine being able to actually live there. Wandering the shelves on a daily basis. Digging in the smell. Picking up books at random. Gently touching the pages. Some of them older than your grand grand parents...

I'd sleep in the fictional section, amongst all the great ones...each morning sip my coffee in the poetry section. Pick a new book every day and read poems while the coffee steams on the side until it gets cold cause I got lost in 42 additional poems...

Imagine that.

By Diliff - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42693401

[jesslovesboats]

Hello! As a fellow reader of sad boat books (polar exploration category) and also a fellow librarian, your posts delight me. Did you know that Ada Blackjack's diary was recently digitized? It's here (along with one of my favorite photos of her and Vic, who is displaying the timeless goal of cats to Not Be In This Picture):

https://www.library.dartmouth.edu/digital/digital-collections/collating-wrangel-island/ada-blackjack-diary

Hello! I have seen it-- what an incredible resource! I highly encourage everyone to click through and take a look at it and read about Ada's experiences in her own words. I'm so grateful to Dartmouth for digitizing so many of their Wrangel Island resources and putting them online. Not only does it mean that more people have access to the materials (which is ALWAYS a good thing, information wants to be free!), it means that I have to send fewer deranged emails to their special collections division asking for scans. Everybody wins!

Also thank you for the compliment! I'm glad you enjoy my posts, especially since everyone knows librarians have the best taste. Sad Boat forever! ❤️

[khrystynapv]

Reading it’s sexy

[theother1one]

Old books, pretty ceiling…

[loki-zen]

a thought on promotional signage in and about libraries:

if you as a librarian are not viscerally uncomfortable with how inadequately specified, contextualised and elaborated the information in your poster is, it almost certainly isn’t punchy enough.

[resplendent-ragamuffin]

hi just wondering/curious as to what kind of archival work you're training/studying?

Ooh, an archives ask!

I've actually just finished my MLIS (Masters of Library and Information Science, for those who don't know) in December! I studied preservation of digital and physical materials, and I've also taken a class in oral history. I'd like to work at a Jewish archive, if possible. Unfortunately most of those are in NYC, which I hate--genuinely don't understand how people live there lol

At the moment I'm volunteering at a government adjacent archive (part of a city department, but not government records, at least not what I'm processing). Hopefully I'll get a paying job soon, both for the money and so I can stop writing cover letters.

[motifcollector]

Oh also at least the Boston Public Library has a very solid audiobook collection that you can access remotely through Libby, I use it a lot for my grandmother! Worth a mention bc audiobook piracy is less straightforward than ebooks so having that access is especially helpful

[hotdogtimemachine1]

Navigating the Past and Future Through History: A Reflection

In our journey through historical inquiry, three assigned texts have recently guided my exploration: "The History Manifesto" by Guldi & Armitage, "The Malayan Emergency" by Taylor, and "The Dangerous Art of Text Mining" by Guldi. Each of these works, though distinct in their focus, weave together a compelling narrative about the importance of historical perspective in addressing contemporary challenges.

The introductory selection from "The History Manifesto" urges a return to longue durée historical analysis to better understand and solve global issues such as climate change and inequality. Guldi and Armitage argue that a broader, more inclusive view of history can inform policy decisions and foster a more sustainable future.

In contrast, "The Malayan Emergency" delves into a specific historical episode, providing a detailed account of the guerrilla warfare in Malaya. Taylor's meticulous research offers insights into colonialism, military strategies, and the complexities of national liberation movements, highlighting the nuanced interplay between local and global dynamics.

Meanwhile, "The Dangerous Art of Text Mining" presents a methodological revolution, illustrating how digital tools can unearth new insights from historical texts. Guldi's work showcases the potential of text mining to reveal patterns and trends that traditional analysis might overlook, encouraging a more data-driven approach to historical research.

Together, these readings underscore the relevance of history in contemporary discourse. They demonstrate how historical knowledge, coupled with innovative methodologies, can illuminate the paths through current crises and towards future possibilities. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, these works remind us of the indispensable value of looking back to move forward.

Sources

Dan Edelstein, Paula Findlen, Giovanna Ceserani, Caroline Winterer, and Nicole Coleman, “Historical Research in a Digital Age: Reflection from the Mapping the Republic of Letters Project,” American Historical Review vol. 122 no. 2 (April 2017), 400-424

Jo Guldi, David Armitage. The History Manifesto. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2014, pp. 88-116.

Jo Guldi. The Dangerous Art of Text Mining. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2023, pp. 1-22.

[biplocalhistory]

Photograph (9 1/2" X 7 1/2"), mounted on black mat board (11" X 9"); On reverse: M. MELANDER & BR PHOTOGRAPHERS 208, EAST OHIO STREET CHICAGO NEGATIVE PRESERVED FOR FUTURE ORDERS

Accompanying note reads: "Koch house on 2342 High Street (formerly 285 High St) Blue Island, IL"

Digital image made 10/26/2023, at Blue Island Public Library.

Help us identify more information about these images! Who donated it and when. Any information is greatly appreciated, even if only for conversation!

[u-mspcoll]

Shanah tovah pop-up cards from the Jewish Heritage Collections are now digitized and available at the Jewish Heritage Collection Digital Archive!

Shanah Tovah pop-up card. JHC-E0001. Gift of Constance Harris.

Shanah Tovah pop-up card. JHC-E0011. Gift of Constance Harris. 

Shanah Tovah pop-up card. JHC-E0017. Gift of Constance Harris.

View pictures of the other shanah tovah pop-up cards from the U-M Library Jewish Heritage Collection

[somestorythoughts]

I'm gonna say this here in case anyone needs to hear it and cause my teacher brought it up about twice a month this semseter:

If you can't do best practice do good practice.

In other words, something is better than nothing, and if you can't do everything that needs doing than do what you can do, partly because doing the basic things can keep a thing from becoming worse and partly so that you have some things to build off of when you are able to do more.

Edit: Unless lives are at stake then very much do the best practice you can do.

[mydirtyvalentine]

pretty normal podcast listening experience i think,