Title: Processor
Education: Walker holds a B.A. in International Studies and Anthropology from the University of Southern Indiana (USI) and recently graduated from IU with an M.L.S. in Archives and Records Management.
Work History: Before working at the IU Archives, Walker was a bookseller at Bloomington’s local Half Price Books Outlet. Even though this was his first job working in the profession, he has visited lots archives and rare book libraries in the past!
In what ways do you work with the IU Archives?: As a processor, Walker’s work primarily focuses on arrangement and description of the collections at the Archives with a particular focus on folklore collections and related topics. In addition to processing, Walker also helps to write the Behind the Curtain staff features of this blog; assist with reference questions; and monitor the archives reading room. Walker also helped curate the recent exhibit Collecting Folklore: Generations of Indiana University’s Folklore Institute.
Favorite collection or item in the Archives?: Walker’s favorite items are student journals from the Folklore Student Papers. These journals were an assignment in an introductory class taught by John McDowell. The students kept a journal for the entire month of October to record their observations on the folklore of Halloween. Walker notes that “I love to study the way that folklore makes up our every day lives, whether it’s small social customs or larger holiday celebrations.”
Current projects that relate to working with the Archives?: Walker is currently processing the collection of Dr. Fabio Rojas, who teaches sociology at IUB. In addition, Walker is also assisting in a digital adaptation of the exhibit mentioned above.
Favorite experience working with the Archives?: Of his many experiences at the Archives, Walker’s favorite was the opportunity to co-curate an exhibit. “It was rewarding to see the joy it brought to members of the Folklore department. It was a fun learning experience and I am very grateful for the opportunity.”
What is something you’ve learned by working with the IU Archivists?: Working with the IU Archives has provided many learning experiences for Walker. In addition to learning skills for a future career in archives, Walker has enjoyed learning the folklore that permeates the IUB campus.
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