If everyone could just try using some basic common sense first that’d be awesome.

I can’t believe I have to say this, but when you return folders to an archives box, they should face the same way as the other folders. And that direction should be LABELS FACING FRONT. This instruction archivist needs a large adult beverage.

I am so not emotionally prepared for the coming month.

“My scrolling finger is getting a cramp” is a real complaint I said aloud at work today.

Border Patrol is pulling out of Minneapolis. Bovino is ending his punitive tour of blue cities. Calls for Noem's resignation are mounting, even in conservative media. Senate Democrats are dug in now on refusing to fund DHS and ICE. "Abolish ICE" is now a mainstream position. They are losing.

As seen on r/nursing Alex Pretti's coworkers taking a moment of silence to honor him

That’s two professors in the past month who’ve felt the need to tell me how to search in the library catalog. Like I don’t know how and could definitely teach them a thing or five.

I know maintaining cultural heritage and teaching critical research methods are important in the long term, but day to day everything I do feels so frivolous right now.

Today I exasperatedly compared a professor to a golden retriever who’d had several shots of espresso. I like the man but I absolutely stand by this description.

Oh no, not another “I saw this photo in a book plz help me find it” inquiry. Needle in a flippin haystack, every time.

Even in states that don't have laws, some people at some universities are avoiding doing things in anticipation of things happening in the future. : (

I only ever substituted as a children’s librarian but ye gods the urge to yell “walking feet” after Kids These Days.

Truth.

I knew there would be problems when the haunted paper towel dispenser was removed. Now the workroom door keycard lock won’t stop clicking at random intervals. The ghost needs to stim. #glams #archiveslife

could someone please remind The Youths that spell-check is a thing and should probably be used on job applications

Me: we only have this on microfilm, I hope that’s ok. Patron: Well it’ll have to do. Me: *side-eye to check for passive aggression*

I was *this close* to starting the work year in a good mood.

John Oliver really was not kidding about the overwhelming rebellious power of just saying “Fuck you, make me.”

It’s finals season and the reading room is empty. Think anyone would notice if I use a book cradle to take a nap?

The number of reference inquiries today that just wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. “But I just need to know —-“ “I really don’t know any more ways to explain that we *literally do not have this.*”

I should probably try to curse out loud less frequently while installing exhibits. Especially when the library is open.

I’m pleased to report that I was victorious in my semi-annual argument with the microfilm reader. Did its best to tangle the leader, but I won.

Could all the patrons PLEASE be cool for the rest of the year. Not gonna ask you to stop being weird - we know what we signed up for - but could you please dial back the lunacy for a bit.

COLD NAMETAG COLD NAMETAG AAAAAAUGH

In research purgatory. This project just won’t end.

Some days you can just feel the IQ points leaking out of your ears.

The world-weary cynicism of undergraduates is incredibly obnoxious. I hereby apologize to everyone who knew me at that age.

This week's Eager Beaver Award goes to patron J, who both phoned and emailed me within the space of thirteen minutes with the exact same message.

With everyone trying to be an “AI Leader” no wonder it’s such a mess. Who’s left to be led? (Not me. I still take research notes in pencil.)

For all I grumble about the students and so on, in general this semester is giving me a hopeful feeling about the current undergrads. They’re paying attention, asking the right questions on the large scale, and thinking about things. A bit of Friday positivity for you all.

How to Write in Cuneiform, the Oldest Writing System in the World. "Cuneiform consists of three components — upright, horizontal and diagonal — made by pressing the edge of a reed stylus, or popsicle stick if you prefer, into a clay tablet." www.openculture.com/2025/09/how-...

The messaging on AI in academia has very strong “you aren’t allowed to say no” vibes. It’s extremely unsettling and uncomfortable, especially for anyone who spent their formative years getting pelted with “no means no” lessons.

The campus Panera is playing music I can only describe as “Alvin and the Chipmunks do rap.” Just… why does this exist.

People, hang on to your printed books. Really. Do it.

I’ve actually had some pretty significant work wins this year but with the world being how it is I’m having to put a lot of effort into not thinking about my work as utterly trivial.

Today is being VERY ANNOYING and it’s making me look incompetent in front of new student employees.

Age verification? I explained email to my entire 4th grade class, including the teacher.

Patron: I’m researching subject X! What kind of resources do the archives have? Me: Golly, good question. How about you try doing ANY searching before you contact us? I increasingly loathe reference.

Tonight I decided to make myself angry by looking through the course catalog for all the classes that the archives can support but who haven’t reached out to us. Healthy coping habits. I don’t have TIME to give everyone a special invitation.

From Walter Winchell’s column in 10/62: Willie Mays’ “mysterious illness” which was listed as “always bein’ tired” was the result of devouring sixteen hot dogs at one luncheon before a game.” 🤦‍♀️

"A cardinal rule of writing is to avoid annoying your audience."   Thank you for that insight, thematic analysis textbook! 😄

Check this shit out motherfucker *embargoes own country*

Is AI in academia inevitable because it’s inevitable, or is it inevitable because the companies convince leadership that it’s inevitable? It’s feeling like a self-fulfilling prophecy, like every other tech boom in my lifetime.

A patron told me all about how ChatGPT is awesome for genealogy research today. Sir, I’m a professional archivist. I do research for a living. I look for FACTS. 😤

Patron: [sends screenshot of finding aid] can you help me locate these documents? Me: [confused by simplicity] ....yes?

Honestly, the frequency of my eye-rolls at work would astound non-library workers.

Fund. Cataloguing. Hire. Cataloguers.

The exhibit room door is propped open and the lights are on. Why are people asking me if they’re allowed to go in?

New student orientation day one. Headache from all the smiling. RBF is the plan until I go back to work in the morning, no matter how funny the memes are.

Yankovic was all set to donate memoribilia—including his Hawaiian shirt from UHF—for a planned exhibit, but, "I’m putting that on hold." www.avclub.com/weird-al-smi...