Friday, April 27, 2018

Look who I found at MARAC

On April 12-15, I attended the Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference (MARAC) in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  It's always a pleasure to see my former supervisors, classmates, and colleagues.  This time there was a pleasant surprise. Jasmine Smith, our IMLS intern, is all grown-up and has a job of her own. I took the opportunity to get to know more about her new career at the Library Company of Philadelphia. 

Q: What is your new job? 

A: My job is divided into two roles: reference librarian and specialist of African American history.  My role as a reference librarian is to staff the reading room and answer general questions either via email, in person, or over the phone, whereas my role as the specialist is to answer complex questions relating to African American history.  It is also my responsibility to page and shelve materials used by readers; familiarize new readers and fellows on how to use WolfPAC, fill out call slips, explain reading room procedures, and suggest research materials. I also manage the Facebook page for the program in African American history and assist with blog posts. 

Q: What is your favorite part of working for the Library Company?

A: I am constantly surrounded by highly education scholars who are working towards future publications. I enjoy this aspect about my job because it allows me to increase my knowledge on subjects that I am unfamiliar with or have a different perspective on. 

Q: Are there any interesting collections that you've worked with so far? 

A: The Amy Matilda Cassey album is my favorite collection at the moment. Amy Matilda Cassey was a very prominent African American, middle-class woman who was involved with the anti-slavery movement in Philadelphia. Her friendship album dates from 1833 until 1856 and has signatures from activists and abolitionists such as William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglass, Robert Purvis and more.  This is an important document because it describes how life was for middle class African American men and women during a time of segregation. 

Best of luck to you, Jasmine! 

Some links of interest: 

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