I liken myself to one of those ultra-organized people who become very uncomfortable when chaos erupts around them. That is, until I actually experience ultra-organization. I always feel a little enamored with a tidy space, but also a little bit like I am dirtying it with my presence. The National Maritime Museum is one of those places that reminds normal people that they are far from ultra-organized.
Our tour guide led as through parts of the museum, a fascinating mix of artifacts and tidbits of information on our way to seeing several artifacts and their stores of books and materials. The artifacts were fascinating and unique, but they didn't hold a candle to the organization precision in the archives and reading rooms. First, the reading rooms were silent. Actually silent. We didn't speak in them or around them. The walls to the reading room were made of glass, so no activities took place without the librarians becoming aware of the behaviors.
After passing through the reading rooms, we travelled to the stores of archives materials and books. These were kept in temperature controlled rooms with shelving units that were on easy-access rolling devices allowed for as many shelves as possible. Furthermore, materials were completely catalogued and only accessible via request.
It was amazing to consider the sheer volume of materials stored without a hint of dust, dirt, or disorganization. I can only imagine that this is a result of the right amount of money, personnel, and location. I'm not sure that we witnessed this sterility in any of the archives or libraries that we visited.
Our tour guide led as through parts of the museum, a fascinating mix of artifacts and tidbits of information on our way to seeing several artifacts and their stores of books and materials. The artifacts were fascinating and unique, but they didn't hold a candle to the organization precision in the archives and reading rooms. First, the reading rooms were silent. Actually silent. We didn't speak in them or around them. The walls to the reading room were made of glass, so no activities took place without the librarians becoming aware of the behaviors.
After passing through the reading rooms, we travelled to the stores of archives materials and books. These were kept in temperature controlled rooms with shelving units that were on easy-access rolling devices allowed for as many shelves as possible. Furthermore, materials were completely catalogued and only accessible via request.
It was amazing to consider the sheer volume of materials stored without a hint of dust, dirt, or disorganization. I can only imagine that this is a result of the right amount of money, personnel, and location. I'm not sure that we witnessed this sterility in any of the archives or libraries that we visited.