library of congress gemma mitchell
DESCRIPTION
Presentation on Library of Congress by Gemma Mitchell given at IPS event 2012TRANSCRIPT
AHRC International Placement Scheme
The Library of CongressWashington DC
Gemma Mitchell
Thomas Jefferson Building
• Analytical and forensic chemist– Background in cultural heritage science
• Why did I apply?– LoC have a team of world class scientists– State of the art analytical instrumentation– A vast collection literature and plastic objects– Opportunity to study abroad– Everything in one place
A scientist? In a library?
• LC Master Microfilm Collection of
500,000+ film rolls
• Audiovisual Collections, which include– Sound and video recordings – TV broadcasts – Motion picture film
• LC oversees 4 million film + sound collection items in
cold vaults in Culpeper, Virginia.
• Obsolete playback equipment means collections at risk
Plastics? In a library?
• Each scholar has their own cubicle- or “klubicle” as they are known– Computer– Telephone– Lockable drawers– Ample work space and shelving– Access to printer, scanner and fax machine– WiFi
• Search of library catalogues
A day in the life of a Kluge Scholar
• Borrowing privileges
• Kluge Centre has
senior scholars, junior
scholars and AHRC
scholars
• “Brown bag lunch”
• Discount in shop and
cafeteria
A day in the life of a Kluge Scholar
• Work in progress talk (~ 20 min plus 10 min for questions)
• Senior scholars give public lectures
• Additional opportunities within Preservation, Research and Testing Division (PRTD)
Presenting your research
Would I recommend the IPS?
• YES!
Would I recommend the IPS?
• YES!– Extensive collections – Scholars study a diverse range of subjects– Knowledge base– Prestige
Would I recommend the IPS?
• YES!
The negatives?
Would I recommend the IPS?
• YES!
The negatives?• I can only think of one.........
No pants day on the Metro!!!!
Acknowledgements
• AHRC
• Allie Brown (AHRC)
• Mary Lou Reker (LOC)