Update from CHS Librarian

I wanted to update everyone on the happenings and progress that have been taking place here in the E. F. Chapin Library.

A local designer has taken an interest in our Library and came in to meet with me last week about the possible renovation of our space.  Se was part of the team that designed East Hamilton High and Middles’s Libraries and is currently involved with renovation of the Library at UTC.

The meeting went very well and Ms. Fitzgerald walked out with our blueprints and is in the beginning stage of designing a layout that will best suit our needs.  We are hopeful that the current issues with Central well be taken care of swiftly so that the interior of our Library will be fresh and ready for the updates we so desperately need from this talented local designer.

To ready ourselves for possible renovation, I have moved all Central Digests, Yearbooks, and anything “historical” into what will be our Alumni Room..  Now that they are in one area, I am confident we can do a detailed inventory of what we have in our collection.  Please feel free to visit us and do not hesitate to call me to discuss any aspect of our archives and/or issues that you feel need to be addressed.  I’m here for all of you.

I have also “struck a deal” with an amazing Chattanooga company called “SouthTree.”  The company will be converting all our 8 mm and 16 mm reals, VHS tapes, photos and slides onto DVD!

I visited the company yesterday and was amazed at the technology.  The owner of the Company was very excited to have an opportunity to preserve film from Chattanooga and ever willing to take on the project of digitally archiving some of our print media.

I asked Mr. Boeselanger he could tell me the oldest film conversion he’s done.  His answer was around 1931.  An older lady from Signal Mountain had wanted it transferred.  If anyone could beat that with a CHS film from the attic, I am sure we could impress him even more!

You can read and learn more about this company at SouthTree.  I will say that I am very proud that we can keep our business local, and I am very confident that it will take great care of our cherished memories.

In my research on the type of scanner we need to archive the Central Digest, I have found out that the best way to preserve the spines and and overall integrity of the book itself is to place The Digest open on a book stand and photograph each double spread, using at least a 6 megapixel SLR camera, tripod, and basic lighting.  The numbering system on a camera (providing we use the same camera) will be consistent and after each book is photographed, the JPEG files can be converted to PDF.

Thanks to you all for your dedication and support.

Ms Martin, CHS Librarian