SI-ASB-2009: U.S. Department of Transportation: National Transportation Library


U.S. Department of Transportation: National Transportation Library 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590 ntl.bts.gov	Projects 4
Charged with improving access to transportation-focused materials needed by federal, state, and local decision-makers, the National Transportation Library (NTL) facilitates and increases the availability of information that supports transportation policy, research, operations, and technology transfer activities. Providing print and digital collections, reference services, electronic database access, interlibrary loan services, and networking opportunities, NTL serves the research needs of DOT staff as well as organizations and citizens across the United States.
Photos and Comments

I created a multi-page guide to accessing USDOT archival and records information, intended for use by NTL staff and patrons. The project was interesting because it was as much about helping the librarians make initial contacts and develop future plans as it was about creating the actual guide document. The organization was great. They had all the tools I needed setup and ready to go when I arrived, and were very supportive and enthusiastic throughout the week. I would have liked another week! I was just starting to learn some really interesting stuff.

I think the insights I gained about how Records Management works within DOT and how the NTL librarians were attempting to understand and use the system to improve the library services had the greatest impact.

I think ASB has provided some additional confirmation that the ARM specialization I am pursuing is the correct one. It's also provided a relevant work experience that I have applied to my resume.

Projects

Promotional Brochure

Intern: Meredith Raymond

Code: USDOT-NL-02

Interns
1

The intern will create a brochure to help promote the library's collections and services and will assist with other marketing activities as time allows. To become familiar with the library's activities the student will have the opportunity to observe different aspects of the library's services (e.g. reference, interlibrary loan).

Survey of Records Management Activities

Intern: Brian Wilson

Code: USDOT-NL-03

Interns
1

The intern will assist the library in becoming more familiar with the records management activities inside the Department of Transportation (DOT) as well as DOT records held at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The student will compile contact information for records managers inside the DOT records schedules and other information that may be available from the agencies contact information for archivists at NARA who work with DOT records and a list of DOT collections at NARA.

Unmatched Projects

Collection Analysis

Code: USDOT-NL-01

Interns
1

The intern will conduct an analysis of a portion of the library's technical collection using criteria developed by the student and staff. The student will create a spreadsheet that will be used by library staff to decide which materials can be weeded from the collection and are likely candidates for digitization.

Vertical File Inventory

Code: USDOT-NL-04

Interns
1

The intern will create an electronic inventory/finding aid for the DOT Historian's vertical file, which contains materials related to Secretaries of Transportation and other topics.

The SI Alternative Spring Break is open to graduate students of the University of Michigan's School of Information. Undergraduates looking for Alternative Spring Break opportunities should look into the University of Michigan Alternative Spring Break program administered by U-M's Ginsberg Center.