Work Description:
Today’s practicum session focused on the physical arrangement and spatial mapping of the El Paso Times’ Subjects Newspaper Clippings Collection, located along the back wall of the historical society’s basement. I pulled, verified, and re-stacked a total of 166 boxes ranging from SC 28 through SU 12. These boxes had previously been somewhat misaligned or inconsistently placed, so I carefully reviewed each one for its correct alphabetical subject code, such as SG, SH, SI, and SJ. I then ensured each box was positioned appropriately by series and stacked no more than five boxes high in accordance with safe archival practices. Once the boxes were aligned correctly, I developed a spatial map documenting their physical locations using aisle and back aisle indicators. This visual tool will support future navigation, inventory, and folder-level review. I also noted and flagged several boxes with duplicate or unclear labeling, which were set aside for supervisor review. My overall goal was to bring clarity, accessibility, and preservation control to this segment of the collection in preparation for upcoming processing stages.
Reflection:
Unlike the surname-based inventory I had completed earlier, working with subject-based clippings required more interpretive thinking and attention to spatial organization. The challenge came not just from the physical labor of moving and stacking 166 boxes, but from understanding the logic—or lack thereof—behind their existing arrangement. Many of the labels were partially faded, handwritten in different styles, or attached unevenly, which made deciphering subject codes a little tricky. I used visual memory and alphabetic logic to determine where each series should go, and I double-checked placements using the subject prefixes (e.g., SG, SH, SI, etc.) to maintain consistency. This process reminded me how small mistakes in labeling or stacking can create confusion that affects access across an entire collection. It also showed me the importance of flexibility and attention to detail, especially when working with older or irregularly processed collections. By the end of the day, I felt a growing sense of ownership over the arrangement and pride in setting a strong foundation for future archival work. The completed spatial map and orderly layout should help streamline the next phase of folder-level inventory and rehousing.
Definitions:
- Subject-based arrangement – An organizational system where materials are grouped by thematic topic rather than by individual or family name.
- Spatial mapping – A method used in archival work to record the physical location of materials, aiding in navigation and future retrieval.
Summary of Work Completed:
Mapped, verified, and arranged 166 boxes in the Border Heritage Subjects Newspaper Clippings Collection along the back basement wall. All boxes were aligned for accessibility and preservation.
- Reviewed and stacked boxes from SC 28 through SU 12.
- Verified box identifiers and placement by subject code (e.g., SG, SH, SI, etc.).
- Created a spatial map of box locations (aisle and back aisle).
- Flagged mislabeled or duplicate boxes for supervisor review.
- Established a foundation for future subject-level inventory and possible rehousing.
The photo shows the El Paso Times' Subjects Newspaper Clippings Collection boxes stacked in uniform rows along the back wall of the archives’ basement. Each box is alphabetically labeled by subject code from SC through SU, and placed no higher than five boxes tall to preserve physical integrity. This visually organized setup reflects the successful completion of spatial mapping and box alignment, setting the stage for detailed inventory in future sessions.