My Role

Based on the recommendation of my professor, I was offered a job at McGill Library’s Rare Books and Special Collections department where I assisted the curator of the architecture archives.

• Processed new acquisitions of textual records, architectural drawings and models through arrangement, description and diverse preservation needs
• Answered reference questions and met with researchers to assist with their queries
• Aided in the creation of a library exhibit on Expo ‘67

I was asked to return to the department the following semester to process the archives of the Zoological Society of Montreal.

• Evaluation and accessioning of all records including text, audio, video, digital resources and artifacts
• Description and arrangement at the fonds and series level leading the production of a finding aid and file level listing for the collection
• Wrote outreach communications such as this blog post

Key Skills

Research and Problem Solving– I have been able to leverage my skills as an information professional on a daily basis to overcome any questions I have at work. Every collection is different and new preservation, access and ethical questions come up daily. Working autonomously, I am not able to ask my colleagues advice. Instead, I must assess possible solutions and make an informed decision on my own. I use my research skills to search online, to do small scale literature reviews, and read discussion forums on best practices to decide how to proceed. This is a crucial tool and has made me confident in my ability to solve any problem.

Privacy – These roles have enabled me to become well-versed in the privacy, information, and archives laws in Quebec. More often than not, records contain personal information about people other than the donor. I have spent many hours pouring over legislation to make sure we can provide access to researchers without compromising rights.

Learning Objectives Achieved

• Assess, organize, and manage information and knowledge resources.
• Describe the key historical, theoretical, and ethical foundations in the field of information studies
• Articulate the issues concerning access to information such as copyright, privacy, censorship, and intellectual freedom.
• Critically evaluate scholarly and professional literature and apply basic research methods.
• Demonstrate communication, problem solving, and decision-making skills in a collaborative environment.

(from: https://www.mcgill.ca/sis/programs/mist)