Student Blog: School Archives!

Good Morning!

Back in 2021 I started my first job. Before then, a part of me wondered what it would be like to work at a library, but I never thought that it would actually happen. A few months later, I took a chance at the library in my school (County College of Morris, in New Jersey!) and asked if they were hiring any student aides. To my surprise, they were indeed looking for someone to help digitize their archives!

Now, it's almost been two years since I've started working here and I have gotten to work with some wonderful people and learn so much about my school's history!

Throughout these two years, my main project has been the digitization of the school newspaper, which started publishing back in 1968. I've also been able to see our school's yearbooks, read proposals for various classes, and watch filmed versions of previous theatrical productions. Outside of archiving, I've helped decorate the library for events, and organize student surveys that get sent out each semester.

This job has been very rewarding, giving me something new to learn each day, whether it be about my school's history, libraries in general, or even myself. Here are some highlights:

Things that never change: There are some things we talk about today, that people have been talking about for decades. This ranges from ordinary things we regularly complain about (one of my favorite articles that I have seen is from the 1970s: a student complaining about Christmas decorations going up too early), to important political topics. It's worthwhile to read different viewpoints from different times, from ordinary people, though you definitely don't have to agree with every perspective. Many of the problems that they talk about are still being debated today.

Advertising: The ads are really interesting to look at. In particular, I like seeing how graphics have evolved in ads. I think the mascots, logos, and catchphrases that are used to capture someone's attention have changed a lot throughout the past decades. Of course, the prices of things have changed a lot too. 

Concerts: A real treat has been learning about the many musicians who have performed at my school, from Todd Rundgren to Nina Simone! I also love reading about the bands that were formed locally throughout the years, many of which are nearly impossible to find online today.

Buildings: It's been unexpectedly interesting to learn details about the buildings on campus: when they were built, how long they took to build, who they were named after, what those respective people did for their community, etc.

And of course, the theatre: My main interest has been in seeing how our music department has evolved. The actual music building is pretty new, having opened in 2016, so all the music classes and performances were held in different buildings before then. There are staff members who were incredibly important in making our program what it is today. Theatrical performances have had a place in our school since the beginning, and I am incredibly fortunate to have seen recordings of previous musicals done here. 
 

Something I hope to do before I graduate is to make more people aware of which musical recordings we have available for viewing. Though it is not accessible to everyone, there are some students who are allowed to watch the recordings we have on DVD, but this fact is not widely known. I think having access to that could be very beneficial for actors who want to study different interpretations of certain characters. I know I personally have enjoyed dissecting the musical choices made by students in the past.

As I have said before, history is one of my biggest passions. This job has certainly helped me learn more about history, not only that of my school, but also of my town and places nearby. After I graduate, I really hope I can keep working in a field like this, as it has been incredibly fulfilling for me!

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