Library of Congress Gemma Mitchell

AHRC International Placement Scheme

The Library of CongressWashington DC

Gemma Mitchell

Thomas Jefferson Building

• Analytical and forensic chemist– Background in cultural heritage science

• Why did I apply?– LoC have a team of world class scientists– State of the art analytical instrumentation– A vast collection literature and plastic objects– Opportunity to study abroad– Everything in one place

A scientist? In a library?

• LC Master Microfilm Collection of

500,000+ film rolls

• Audiovisual Collections, which include– Sound and video recordings – TV broadcasts – Motion picture film

• LC oversees 4 million film + sound collection items in

cold vaults in Culpeper, Virginia.

• Obsolete playback equipment means collections at risk

Plastics? In a library?

• Each scholar has their own cubicle- or “klubicle” as they are known– Computer– Telephone– Lockable drawers– Ample work space and shelving– Access to printer, scanner and fax machine– WiFi

• Search of library catalogues

A day in the life of a Kluge Scholar

• Borrowing privileges

• Kluge Centre has

senior scholars, junior

scholars and AHRC

scholars

• “Brown bag lunch”

• Discount in shop and

cafeteria

A day in the life of a Kluge Scholar

• Work in progress talk (~ 20 min plus 10 min for questions)

• Senior scholars give public lectures

• Additional opportunities within Preservation, Research and Testing Division (PRTD)

Presenting your research

Would I recommend the IPS?

• YES!

Would I recommend the IPS?

• YES!– Extensive collections – Scholars study a diverse range of subjects– Knowledge base– Prestige

Would I recommend the IPS?

• YES!

The negatives?

Would I recommend the IPS?

• YES!

The negatives?• I can only think of one.........

No pants day on the Metro!!!!

Acknowledgements

• AHRC

• Allie Brown (AHRC)

• Mary Lou Reker (LOC)