Finding Historical Material

NARRATOR: Listen to a conversation between a student and an employee in the university’s historical library.

FEMALE EMPLOYEE:Morning! What can I help you find?MALE STUDENT: Well, I saw on the Internet that the university library has menus and things from local restaurants— like The Springfield Eatery?

<-FEMALE EMPLOYEE:->Right. A lot of local businesses have donated materials to our collection, including that restaurant.I’m pretty sure we have, uh, ten or fifteen boxes of materials from there.

MALE STUDENT: Good. I thought you were located in the main library, so I went there first and they sent me here.I hadn’t realized the university had a separate historical library.I think what you’re doing is great—collecting local documents and photos—keeping a record of the region.

FEMALE EMPLOYEE:I’m glad you see the value in it. We’ve been collecting materials for going on seventy years now.Last year we had an exhibition that showcased how the town square has changed over the past 50 years.So that got the word out a little...but you’re right—a lot of students don’t know we exist.Well, unless they’re majoring in history. So, you’re looking for something for a class?

MALE STUDENT: Not exactly. My grandmother went to this university, and while she was here, she worked as a waitress.FEMALE EMPLOYEE:At The Springfield Eatery.

MALE STUDENT: Yes, and that’s where she met my grandfather!So, they’re celebrating their fiftieth anniversary this year, and I noticed online that you have old menus from some of the restaurants.I was thinking I could find one from the year they met and frame a copy for them.FEMALE EMPLOYEE:What a unique idea! What year are you looking for?MALE STUDENT: Uh, 1954.

FEMALE EMPLOYEE:I know we have a few menus from the 1950s, but you’ll have to check...there are some gaps…some years we didn’t receive any new materials, and sometimes restaurants go a while without changing their menus...MALE STUDENT: Oh no! I really wanted to give them something special.

FEMALE EMPLOYEE:Well… how about this: We also have a lot of photos, so maybe you could find one of your grandmother—or maybe even one with both of your grandparents.MALE STUDENT: That’d be awesome!

<-FEMALE EMPLOYEE:->The only thing is, most of our materials are still in boxes—no one’s ever taken the time to organize them, so it-it might require a fair amount of sifting.MALE STUDENT: Hmm…I have a couple of tests coming up, but I can take a quick look, if that’s OK.I know some libraries have special rules for handling delicate or old materials.

FEMALE EMPLOYEE:Well, these aren’t particularly old. Just the usual rules apply…no food or drinks.MALE STUDENT: OK. Thanks for your help!