
Scholarly
Projects
On this page, I have provided a selection of scholarly projects I have created in an academic and professional capacity. Each of these projects has allowed me to further my knowledge and experience within the professional sphere of library and information science.
Collection Talk: The Louisiana Czech Heritage Collection
This presentation was made at the 2023 Louisiana Studies Conference, it was co-created by Cammie G. Henry Research Center Head Archivist Donna Baker and Archives Assistant Sara Rebstock.
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This project was my first professional presentation, completed with my supervisor. The presentation was a collection talk on a collection that I had begun processing and was intended to raise awareness of this recent acquisition. Completion of this project taught me quite a bit about the importance of considering the guidelines of the conference while staying true to my chosen topic. As the project was a collection review, I was able to familiarize myself with a different type of archival research than I had previously conducted. The presentation intended to showcase the variety of materials only. As such, I had to ensure that I was not leading the viewers to a specific conclusion or opinion on the materials. It was a valuable learning opportunity that I will be able to utilize for the many conferences and projects in my future.
How to Use LibGuides Presentation
This presentation was made in compliance with LIS 557 at the University of Southern Mississippi.
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In my role as an information professional, it is my responsibility to clearly and accurately depict the benefits and accessibility of the technology available to a user through the institution. In the completion of this project, I was able to focus on ensuring that all information had been communicated through a manner of non-verbal explanation. When working with digital-based programs, the ability to communicate and support users through written communication is paramount. In my professional experience, I have worked with many users who were unable to physically access the institution. Providing full assistance to users of all needs is a key component of my professional philosophy. In completion of projects such as this, I am developing the relevant skills to meet this expectation. I believe the knowledge and ability of digital, non-verbal communication is something I will continue to grow and develop as we delve further into the age of digital access.
Louisiana Czech Heritage Collection Finding Aid
This Finding Aid was created for the Louisiana Czech Heritage Collection at the Cammie G. Henry Research Center.
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This project was my first complete processing of an archival collection. I completely inventoried and described the materials within the collection. In my work on this project, I had to develop on-my-feet decision-making in regard to archival processing and minor preservation. I learned relevant descriptions Standards and practices including DACS Single Level Optimum and More Product, Less Process.
Dr. Corinne Saucier Collection Finding Aid
This Finding Aid was created for the Dr. Corinne Saucier Collection at the Cammie G. Henry Research Center.
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As archival needs and access grow to meet the needs of users, so too does the level of description utilized. This finding aid was my first time completing a re-processing and re-description project to meet the evolving needs of users. The project allowed for me to utilize the information provided and retained from the previous processing of the collection to ensure it met the most up-to-date accessibility standards.
Weeding Excercise: Eugene P. Watson Memorial Library
This Weeding Project and Analysis was created in compliance with LIS 511 at the University of Southern Mississippi.
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The knowledge of what suits the library or archival collection and its users is one that every professional in the field must develop. This project was completed with the intention of establishing the ability to critically review the collection for usability and benefits. Such a review allows for the removal of misaligned or unsuitable materials from the collection. However, such a review must be completed within the institution's set standards and practices. Completion of this project allowed me to familiarize myself with such practices and the decision making process. In my work as a professional, I will be able to utilize these skills not only for the removal of materials but the intake of new collection items. In doing so I hope to ensure the continued access and usability of the collections I work within.
Position Description and Assessments
This Position Description and Assessments project was created in compliance with LIS 605 at the University of Southern Mississippi.
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Though I do not currently hold or anticipate holding a position in library management, the ability to describe and assess positions within the library and archive sphere is incredibly beneficial. In completion of this project, I familiarized myself with pertinent library management skills. These skills include an understanding of library and archival job descriptions, best practices related to employee and self-assessment, and the formatting of relevant templates. As an employee, I believe it is valuable to understand and anticipate the areas of growth within your position. Such anticipation ensures that you are able to best serve the institution and its users. Additionally, I believe it is important to maintain clear and direct goals within the team structure. The creation of this assessment provided me with tools for the establishment of relevant goals and directives.
The Quirky Earring Archive Website
This faux archive website was created in compliance with LIS 647 at the University of Southern Mississippi.
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This project allowed for a combination of the skills I have learned and developed within the archival certification program. It allowed for the completion of description, minor digitization, and community outreach. In creating this simulated archive, I was able to think through the accessioning steps when taking in new archival material that best suited a collection. Though many items could have fit the "collecting scope" to some extent, the materials had to be reviewed to determine if they were the best fit. Additionally, though the digitization was minor, it allowed for an understanding of what a larger-scale digitization project might entail for a collection made up of exclusively ephemeral materials. In my professional experiences, I have had minor encounters with establishing community outreach projects. This project allowed for me to pull on existing knowledge of lesson planning to create an outreach exercise. In total, I believe this project allowed for an understanding of the many steps and considerations that must be made when dealing with an archive as a whole and not a single Collection.
Creole Heritage Center Internship
This internship was completed in compliance with LIS 648 at the University of Southern Mississippi. The internship was completed with the Creole Heritage Center at Northwestern State University.
Technology and Archives Blog
This blog was completed in compliance with LIS 557 at the University of Southern Mississippi.
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​Throughout my academic and professional life I have developed an understanding and skillset related to archival practices. In creation of this blog, I was able to present my current understanding and beliefs on best practices. These practices will serve and guide my professional experiences and the projects with which I am tasked. In presenting my thoughts through the blog format, I was able to communicate in an academic yet casual setting. In doing so, I believe I made the posts accessible to both new and seasoned professionals. This communication style is one that I believe will continue to serve myself and those I interact with. As I continue to develop my skills and knowledge so to will this blog develop.