Here Luna, who is a current student on the Museum Studies MA, reflects on some of the tasks she has done and things she has learnt on the placement so far.
As my placement has progressed into weeks three to five, I have gradually become more familiar with the work and the collections. As I have become more confident, I have realised that working efficiently is only one part of archival work. It is also important to return to previously processed materials from time to time and check that the information recorded is accurate and consistent.
One skill I have been developing is creating descriptions for accession boxlists. This requires me to identify the key features of an item quickly. Its title, physical appearance and information about its original owner or context can all help me build a fuller description. I have also learned how to identify similarities and differences among large groups of materials and use these observations to organise them into meaningful groups. Interestingly, each group can contain further similarities and differences. I find this process both challenging and enjoyable, almost like a form of brainstorming.
I have also developed an appreciation for the physical experience of working with archival materials. The distinctive green and grey protective boxes used to house the collections have a particular charm. The texture and slight resistance of the boxes as they are opened and closed make the process feel almost ritualistic, as if I am taking part in a small ceremony dedicated to each collection.
Recently, I have also been working with archival materials relating to the University of Leicester’s Museum Studies programme, including records of distance learning. Seeing students studying the same subject that I am studying now has been surprisingly moving. Through teaching materials and learning activities, I can sense the commitment of both staff and students to exploring museum knowledge. I have noticed how course content changed over time in response to developments and student feedback.
While reading these records, I sometimes found myself nodding along with the students of the past. In a way, the archive allowed me to learn alongside them, even across many years. This is one of the things I find most valuable about archival collections: they can create connections between people, experiences and knowledge across time.
Thank you Luna! We are glad you are enjoying your placement, and looking forward to hearing more from you.
Subscribe to vholmes's posts