Card catalog in a dumpster…the agony
March 4th, 2004
I completely sympathize with the writer of this post on the agony of seeing old card catalog cabinets in a dumpster (via things) I have let my share of cabinets go in the past (…not to mention lovely but no longer useful library tables, chairs, and other such furnishings). Thankfully, I was able to get an old Widener carrel during the carrel giveaway a few years ago, and it is one of the few cherished possessions that I have here .. . My ex-fiance still does not understand why I was so determined to haul “that poorly designed table” from the pickup location in Allston to our apartment in Medford. While I am the first to admit that as a workspace it is far from perfect, I always feel inspired when I sit down at that desk, wondering about the dissertations and daydreams that were pondered there. All it needs is a few geraniums to be my perfect haven :-).
Entry Filed under: Personal Miscellany
4 Comments Add your own
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Trackback this post | Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed
1. Lis | March 4th, 2004 at 11:57 pm
While we lived in Medford, my husband found an old card catalog in somebody’s trash. He picked it up and brought it home (in many parts, drawers separately, because THOSE SUCKERS ARE HEAVY!!!
We cleaned it up, and have used it alternately as a coffee table and now a bench. Haven’t put any cards in it; still haven’t cataloged our own personal library. But there’s something very comforting about having one should the need or desire arise. I highly recommend it.
2. Vernica | March 7th, 2004 at 11:44 am
Thanks for the comment, Lis. I think that the weight of library furniture is part of the charm. I am not deterred by the heaviness of a card catalog. Space, however, is another issue. I have one average-size room in a shared apartment, so unless I am going to trade in my bed or dresser for a card catalog, I am out of luck. Believe me, I have thought about it, though…
3. Ben | March 7th, 2004 at 3:22 pm
My mom (who is a librarian a MIT) claimed a couple of big card catalogs as they were being removed from MIT. I can attest to their significant heft! They are very nice oak furniture but it’s hard to find a use for them. She now has one in her basement, holding her small hardware, and one in her bed room, holding her socks and underwear and such.
4. LadyCrumpet | March 19th, 2004 at 12:00 pm
I borrow books from time to time from another firm’s library in my office building. They’re moving soon, and I am so tempted to ask if they plan to keep the little card catalog that they have. It’s missing a drawer, but I’d still be thrilled to have it.