Permissions: The Other Side

The research process has always been an exciting application of quasi-scientific methods within humanities; proper formatting, whether bibliographical or page numbering, provides just enough rigidity that a standard can be set and subsequently conformed to, shifting the creative focus appropriately to the utilization of sources and proliferation of final products (i.e., the paper itself.) And while the taboo of plagiarism often looms large over the conscientious writer, the consequences of such a ethical violation often remain isolated to in-house discipline, without an understanding of the broader implications of such action within the scholarly community.

As the Rosenbach holds the papers, and library, and living room, of Marianne Moore among their collections, she is a figure of much study within the confines of the Museum & Library. And while I have been aware of the forms needed from researchers before their work on Moore begins, working with the files of research on her elucidates her importance within the poetry community. Beginning with a compilation of reference works the Rosenbach already holds, I have now begun to sort through the files of scholars who examined her materials, finding out which researchers had their work published, and confirming proper citations to the Rosenbach. A gratis copy is also a requirement of publication on Rosenbach holdings; it has been truly shocking to note how many researchers were not compliant with these two conditions of permission. (The files aren't particularly welcoming, either, perhaps distorting my perception of the extent of "transgressors" in the academe.) However -- especially as someone interested in pursuing a career that would consist of such research -- the work I have done on her files is as personally beneficial as it is exciting to read from some of the most prolific scholars' and poets' work done at, and inspired by, the Rosenbach. Examining some of the older files also contextualizes the Rosenbach as an institution rich with history, and expertise, within its collections; among the organization's former staff members are the executor of the Marianne Moore estate, as well as a preeminent Moore scholar, whose knowledge of Modernism in poetry facilitated a position at Yale's prestigious Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Despite my ineptitude regarding poetry, seeing so many creative and compelling analyses of one individual's work by the academe is a true inspiration for my own research interests and goals.

Class Is In Session

Hello, All,

I have recently made the decision (semi-forced because of approaching deadlines) to take a gap year before applying to graduate school. The reason why this is relevant to TPC and the APS Museum will make sense soon.

Last year I was in a semester long program that was the scholarly parallel of TPC: it was a test run for students who were considering graduate school rather than immediate careers/forays into the "real world." Although I struggled with the deadlines for writing papers, I felt confident that I was excited for graduate school. But when I got back to campus for my junior year I saw my friends applying (and accepting) programs to do research or teach abroad and to do other exciting, challenging adventures. I remember adamantly believing that I would break with my father's wishes and enroll in a similar program, but here I am applying to graduate programs...

Now that I am one week away from my first GRE and less than a month away from my first grad school application deadline, I am (in typical Natasha style) realizing that I am procrastinating and stalling for a reason. This is where my story becomes relevant :)

TPC has stressed that the world is a challenging and worthwhile classroom to explore; the APS Museum has modeled how academics can find engaging careers outside of the ivory tower. When I think about my life as a set of courses, I notice that I am barely managing passing grades in "Time Management" and "Work Environment." I value being a well-rounded person; maybe this is the only chance in my life that I will have to "study" for and "pass" these courses?

This is an announcement to myself that I am willing to take on the challenge of re-invigoration. I want to find a way to re-invent what I thought was my "for-sure" future as an English Major. Now I sound a bit like Obama. These are broad declarations of Change I Can Hope For but what I can pragmatically believe in are these next few days of stress and fear. I don't think I'll go back on this decision but I am very grateful for the advice and support of the staff at both TPC and the APS Museum. I already have some employment leads that may lead to a more genuine future grad school application.

Don't really know how relevant this post is, but it's what's going on right now :)