My research this summer has focused on understanding publishing and working within archival collections, with a focus on the history and global development of restaurant menus. I have worked closely with my supervisor and the ROAAr staff to refine my research skills and assist an upcoming scholarly publication. I have learned about the complex networks of academics in library archives and food history and have had the privilege of working with them in Montreal and Toronto. Through remote and in-person tasks, I have developed a knowledge of image and manuscript acquisition, copyright information, international customs, and the progression of culinary preferences over time.
ARIA’s mission to support student scholarship through workshops, mentorship, and stipends has allowed me to devote a significant amount of time this summer to academic research that otherwise would not have been accessible to me. Pursuing an ARIA internship provided me with a summer job that would enrich my studies as well as deepen my academic interests.
Learning Objectives
- Familiarization with archival materials, their collections and value
- Navigate citation software, copyright and reproduction guidelines, filing and copyediting conventions
- Collaborate on team projects via cloud-based storage, shared Zotero libraries, file naming systems, Microsoft Teams, as well as remote and in-person meetings
- Identify key points in the evolution of global foodways, expand upon themes and research topics, and design and use search strategies for online databases, optimize archival images through Photoshop
- Consult and outreach with menu collectors, curators, and research team members, analyze archival materials with experienced researchers (librarians, professionals), plan and carry out a research trip in collaboration with scholars at the University of Toronto
This project has allowed me to gain insight and experience in the publishing process. I have learned how a book is developed in a collaborative environment and I have had the opportunity to participate in this form of scholarship through copyediting, primary source analysis, and inquiries regarding copyright and reproduction guidelines. I have benefitted from the breadth of the project as a topic that examines global and historical trends, which has allowed me to appreciate scholarship at the international level through my work with academic professionals and databases.
Further, this research process has become more tangible for me as I planned and participated in a research trip to the University of Toronto, where I was able to meet some of the archival staff I had been corresponding with and was able to observe and participate in the process of appraising primary sources in person. The research trip allowed me to see the degree of planning that is involved in coordinating with other academic institutions and how research can be enriched by exploring what other collections and locations have to offer.
One of the benefits of the ARIA program is its flexibility, which has allowed me to participate in research in Montreal despite living with my family outside of the province for the summer. Working remotely provides me with a flexible schedule, but also means that my time is unregulated and my network is virtual. For me, a remote position requires maintaining an organized schedule, a high level of efficiency, and a regular line of communication with my colleagues. In order to address these challenges, I send Professor Cooke, my supervisor, a daily summary of my tasks and questions, and keep a detailed schedule to ensure I stay on track. I take regular breaks to avoid screen fatigue, and regularly meet with my research team on Microsoft Teams. I have also benefitted from a weekly schedule that allows me to work four days a week, where I can maximize my time off, but also extend my work week by an additional day if I feel I have been inefficient in completing my tasks.
ARIA has enriched my knowledge of library and archival systems and enhanced my research skills. This will benefit me in the upcoming year as I prepare to write an Honours thesis for my English major, and collaborate with my department to complete a project where I am the primary writer and researcher. I intend to use the organizational and research skills I have attained this summer beyond my degree when I pursue an education and career in law.
I would like to thank the generous donors who make the ARIA program possible. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Professor Nathalie Cooke and Vidumini Morugama for their continued assistance, mentorship, wisdom and encouragement, as well as the staff at ROAAr for their insight and friendliness.
