Recently while digitizing letters from the Alden Partridge Papers we came across a letter that had been badly marred by an ink spill. You can just imagine the 1826 version of "d'oh!" being exclaimed when this happened!
Of course the first thought through the archivist's brain was...this is why we don't use pens in the reading room! If you've ever visited the Norwich Archives, or any other archives special collections or rare book room, you probably noticed that there are a lot of rules. No pens. No food. No backpacks. Even as the modern library evolves into a community space where a relaxed atmosphere is encouraged (not to mention study snacks) we archivists can end up with a bad reputation--why do we insist on taking the fun out of everything?!
Well as I like to tell our students, it's not because we're intrinsically mean cardigan-loving people. All the rules you encounter in the Archives are designed so that we can work as a community to keep Norwich's legacy safe secure and intact for future generations to enjoy. Far from being stuck in the past, we are looking to the future by trying to prevent theft or damage to our collections. Spills, rips, and pen markings may be as inadvertent as the ink stain on Captain Partridge's mail, but they are no less permanent, and they could obscure content or change the meaning of a document.
We are always excited about sharing our collection materials with the university community and the broader public. We strive to make the reading room a welcoming place where you can experience hands-on learning at its finest without feeling restricted or intimidated. Next time you stop by or send us an email, ask us some questions about how we work to preserve the Norwich legacy and how you can help!
--Mary Margaret
0 Comments.