Ethan Barron, a sophomore with a double major in international relations and history, serves as a student assistant at William & Mary's Special Collections Research Center (SCRC). External Relations Assistant Isabel Segovia '28 interviews Ethan about his experience working at SCRC.
When did you begin working at SCRC? I started at Special Collections this summer, but I hope to continue broadening my experiences working within an archive.
What does a typical shift look like? My typical shift includes coming in after my summer class and relieving the person at the front desk. I help organize the reading room and go into the stacks to retrieve materials for researchers, called “paging.” I help catalog materials, on top of retrieving and re-shelving.
What is your favorite part of your job? I enjoy the fun and supportive work environment. Dr. Meghan Bryant, SCRC staff, and my fellow student employees have created a fantastic environment where I am excited to come in.
What is his favorite thing about Special Collections? My favorite part is the Chapin-Horowitz Dog Book Collection, but I am also enthusiastic about a project I have been working on this summer -- cataloging over 50 assorted zines on subjects like political and environmental activism, as well as civil rights. My favorite thing to catalog, however, is the old and rare books housed at SCRC, with the oldest book I’ve catalogued being from 1827.
What have you learned in your position? I have really learned about the broadness of archives. While most people might consider archives to be a room of old, dusty books, archives encompass the preservation of so many different mediums of materials. Even the more recent items being held at Special Collection are important, where in 200 years someone might be interested in using it.
What is your favorite spot in Swem Library? My favorite spot is the Botetourt Gallery. I stay away from the 3rd floor’s strict silence policy but enjoy locking in at two different study rooms on the first floor (one with a view!).
What’s something you are looking forward to? I am looking forward to Swem’s Trick-or-Treating and Spooky Open House in October. I have already begun helping Dr. Bryant organize the event, which even though it is several months away, requires lots of passionate planning. Mark your calendars!
What are you enjoying now? Right now, I am enjoying the Williamsburg summer indoors, usually curled up with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s and watching the House of the Dragon.
What's in your future? In my position as a student assistant at Special Collections, I have really gained a passion for a future career as an archivist and I hope to work in the National Archives in DC next summer.