Name: Jessica Campbell
Supervisor: Claudia Romero
Date: May 30, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Project: Border Heritage Subjects Newspaper Clippings Inventory
Today’s work focused on the physical arrangement and spatial mapping of the Border Heritage Subjects Newspaper Clippings Collection along the back wall of the historical society’s basement. I pulled and re-stacked a total of 166 boxes ranging alphabetically from SC 28 through SU 12. These boxes had previously been somewhat disordered, so I carefully verified their labels and physical locations, aligning them according to aisle and back aisle designations. This included confirming that series identifiers (such as SG, SH, SI, SJ, etc.) corresponded to their proper shelf positions and stacking configurations. I also created a spatial map of these subject clippings to ensure easier navigation and future inventory. During this process, I noted a handful of boxes with ambiguous or inconsistent labeling, which were flagged for supervisor review. My primary goal today was to bring improved clarity, accessibility, and preservation control to this segment of the collection.
Reflecting on today’s work, I found it both physically demanding and mentally engaging. Unlike name-based inventories, the subject-based series presented challenges in interpreting label logic, particularly when inconsistencies or cross-series duplications appeared. I relied heavily on visual order and logical grouping to ensure each box was accurately placed. This hands-on experience emphasized the importance of spatial memory and systemic thinking in archival arrangement. I also learned the value of clear box labeling and how disorder, even in a single mislabeled box, can compromise broader inventory efforts. The mapping process helped me better understand the layout of the basement space and improved my confidence in navigating between collections. I feel proud of the progress made today and believe this foundational organization will significantly streamline the upcoming phases of detailed subject-level review and potential rehousing.
Tasks Completed:
- Pulled, mapped, organized, and stacked subject clippings located on the back wall of the basement.
- Verified physical locations and box identifiers, aligning boxes with aisle/back aisle designations (e.g., SC–SU series).
- Created a spatial map of the clippings by label (SG, SH, SI, SJ, etc.) and their respective positions.
- Ensured physical preservation and accessibility by improving order and stack alignment.
Quantitative Summary:
- Mapped and organized a total of 166 boxes ranging from SC 28 through SU 12, including cross-referenced or ambiguous entries.
- Identified potential duplicates or labeling anomalies for future clarification.
Notes:
- Noted inconsistencies and flagged boxes requiring supervisor confirmation or relabeling.
- Prepared collection layout for future inventory and rehousing phases.
The photo shows the Border Heritage Subjects Newspaper Clippings Collection boxes stacked in long rows along the basement’s back wall. Alphabetically labeled by subject codes (SC through SU), the boxes are neatly aligned and placed no more than five high for stability and preservation. The visual organization reflects the completion of a careful mapping and arrangement task, forming the groundwork for subsequent archival processing.