Everything in life is a learning process- don't be offended if you're not perfect

          The first week of internships and jobs are always the most interesting.  You are not only introduced to a completely new environment, but you are taught skills and information that no class can truly prepare you for.  However, they can also be very helpful on giving you an encyclopedia of knowledge to tap into.  I have never professionally digitized anything in my life before this week.  Sure there were plenty of projects that I had to take pictures of objects, but there is something different when your pictures are going to be on a Smithsonian website one day for researchers all over the world to use.  The Smithsonian has that effect on things—it adds a universal dimension and therefore a universal importance.  My internship with the National Library of Medicine was very similar in that respect. 

            Another aspect of the internship that is relatively new to me is the field of archives.  I am a librarian by nature.  Books are what I am most comfortable working with, but comfort is overrated when it comes to learning and growing as a professional.  The number one thing about archives that is different from libraries is how the metadata is entered.  Instead of the Marc records I had become accustomed to at the NLM, I found myself using Adobe Bridge.  This software uses IPTC Core.  There are no number sets to associate with a certain piece of information.  Instead there are clearly labeled topics to line up with the document’s information. 

            On one hand this is an easy way to keep track of what data needs to be mined from the object.  On the other hand, Marc records are far more detailed.  Despite the need to memorize the numbers associated with the information, it is a very organized and descriptive format.  It was not until I was knee deep in folders that I realized the IPTC format was incredibly helpful. 

            The project I am working on involves the Moses and Frances Asch Collection.  Moses Asch was the creator of Folkways Records.  He had a mission of recording all of the world’s sounds and preserving them for future generations.  The mission itself is something that draws me to the project.  I have always loved culture and the footprint that it leaves on the world.  Moses Asch- affectionately known as Moe around Folkways- saw the importance of sound to culture and wanted to record it.  I can only imagine how important his talks with Albert Einstein were in the creation of his goals.  After two failed record companies, Moses Asch finally found his rhythm- literally and figuratively- with Folkways Records.  Despite the bankruptcy and affect the Depression had on his businesses, Moe pushed forward and never gave up.  Moe teaches a lot of great lessons throughout his history. 

            This week my major digitization- because I am lucky enough that I actually learned enough to get started with it- seemed to revolve around Warren d’Azevedo from the University of Nevada.  He recorded the cycles of a Washo Indian tribe and Moses Asch wished for it to be available to everyone.  However, after a lawsuit (which you will be able to read all about when the digitized materials go up!) the record was pulled, though thanks to the internet you can still find it.  

            Guy Davis was also another folder that I worked on.  He is a wonderful jazz and blues musician who is alive and kicking in New York City.  Being able to see some of the early correspondence between him and Moe was amazing.  I was able to see an early resume of his, as well as, articles and advertisements about his band.  His early connections with Pete Seeger were a good indicator that Davis would find his way to Folkway Records.  One of the most interesting tidbits I picked up from his documents was his creation of the “mbanjo” of which there is very little information available.  It just might warrant me finding a way to contact him and find out more about it!  I would definitely recommend looking his work up.  (His work with Folkways can be previewed here: http://www.folkways.si.edu/guy-davis/dreams-about-life/african-american-music-folk/album/smithsonian.)

In a way it seems as though Moses Asch might not mind the act of digitization since it is only helping to perpetuate and continue adding to the world of sounds. 

            My major lessons this week, however, extend beyond digitizing and archival work.  It was coming to the realization that all of this was new to me and it was okay if it took some getting used to.  Without the learning period in an experience, I don’t believe that you can truly take away everything you need from the experience.  In that learning period you may make mistakes- I made the mistake of doing too much work, go figure- but that shouldn’t discourage you from moving forward.  Like Moe did with these three different record companies, you should do with your life experiences!  Keep on trying, because eventually you will strike a chord. 

Credit: http://www.folkways.si.edu/magazine/2009_fall/archive_spotlight-woody_guthrie.aspx