What To Expect from and in the BDC Research Room during July 2023

BDC's Overview for July 2023:

Don't forget that Tuesday, July 4th is a county holiday. The Library will not be open.

Olivia's time here in the Research Room will soon be over. She's been wonderful to work with - diligent, smart, cooperative, flexible, and occasionally even "ha-ha" funny. I was so lucky that she was looking for a job when we were hoping to fill one with the most suitable person showing an aptitude for special collections and archival work. I wish her bon voyage and best wishes for the rest of her life.

Summer Reading 2023 and the American Historical Association's Reading Challenge continue. I've marked off about 1/2 of my SRP bingo card (due July 31) and only have to read an article about history to complete the AHA one (due Sept. 4). I hope that you're doing even better with your summer reading challenges.

Don't forget to come to Beaufort Branch for our SRP "All Together Now" Local History Program #2 on July 12th. (See photo for details). I'm thrilled to host Nathan Betcher, NPS Historian, on the topic of Presidential election politics in 1876 South Carolina with the Beaufort County Historical Society. First come; first seated. Doors open at 1:30 pm.

Olivia's imminent departure will affect BDC operations. I'll do my best to maintain in-room and off-site customer services to the high standard the BDC is known for as my highest priority. Because she has been absolutely critical to "Finding Aid Friday" projects, Finding Aid Friday posts after July 7th will be intermittent until I can find and train a suitable successor to fill Olivia's current position. If the past is any indicator, it could be awhile. I intend to continue "Uniquely BDC" Mondays and "Black History Note" Wednesdays posts here on FB. I am so grateful that she finished the BDC Inventory last month. Yeah!

Otherwise, staff and the public will be learning the ins-and-outs of our new cataloging system.

My personal goal this month is to "Do what I can, with what I've got, where I am" at the moment - again - as a solitary librarian and arranger. [Note: I wrote 3 posts about coping strategies the last time I was without an assistant in July 2022. Most of that will apply this time too.]