Kaitlin Buerge

Airwaves to Archives: Using ChatGPT to make WRMC recordings more accessible online

Kaitlin Buerge — 2025-10-28T15:37:43-0400

Using AI tools like ChatGPT and Whisper, Middlebury Libraries transcribed and summarized 423 historic WRMC radio recordings now available at the Internet Archive. Then we brought those summaries into ArchivesSpace, improving searchability and connecting each program directly to its audio and transcript online.

Reparative description update and new images available online!

Kaitlin Buerge — 2023-09-20T00:00:00-0400

Special Collections continues to evaluate our legacy finding aids and descriptions with an eye to reduce harm and change out-of-date language. Check out this post to learn more and to see newly-digitized photographs of Black students at Middlebury from the 1970s through the 1990s.

Enhancing transparency and inclusivity in Middlebury's archival finding aids

Kaitlin Buerge — 2023-02-02T12:45:49-0500

The Middlebury Libraries are dedicated to preserving and making accessible the College’s rich history and unique collections. To better achieve this goal, Special Collections has recently added a suggestion button and finding aid authors to our ArchivesSpace platform.

Middlebury Libraries to replace controversial subject headings: A Reparative Cataloging Project update

Kaitlin Buerge — 2021-09-09T13:27:27-0400

The Middlebury Libraries’ Reparative Cataloging Project seeks to address catalog records that are historically inaccurate, offensive, discriminatory, or harmful. Earlier this year, we replaced the “illegal aliens” subject heading with “undocumented immigrants.” Now, we’re planning more changes!

Itty Bitty: Miniature Books in Special Collections

Kaitlin Buerge — 2021-08-13T10:27:29-0400

Special Collections’ newest exhibit features our tiniest books, ranging from handwritten religious texts to cookbooks, children’s books, and Shakespeare. Visit go/tinybooks for a virtual exhibit experience.

Bread Loaf readings and lectures available online

Kaitlin Buerge — 2021-06-17T11:15:53-0400

Toni Morrison reading from Song of Solomon? Check. Louise Gluck and Anne Sexton giving poetry readings? Yes! You’ll now find audio and video lectures and readings by Julia Alvarez, John Irving, Tim O’Brien, and more at the Internet Archive (go/ia)

"Illegal alien" subject heading removed from catalog: A Reparative Cataloging Project update

Kaitlin Buerge — 2021-06-14T12:56:06-0400

The Middlebury Libraries are happy to announce that we join our colleagues at institutions like Dartmouth, Harvard, and Vassar in eliminating the term “illegal aliens” from our cataloging.

Middlebury Commencement Traditions

Kaitlin Buerge — 2021-05-27T13:32:47-0400

You know about “Pomp and Circumstance”, diplomas, caps, and gowns, but how about pipe smoking and cane ceremonies? We’re sharing our favorite Middlebury Commencement traditions in honor of this weekend’s graduation ceremonies and the Class of 2021.

Celebrating Gaypril with Kate Bornstein

Kaitlin Buerge — 2021-04-08T10:01:38-0400

Join Special Collections in celebrating Gaypril (or, GAYpril) as we highlight LGBTQA+ authors and alumni.

Women's History Month with Mary Ritter Beard

Kaitlin Buerge — 2021-03-15T14:23:19-0400

Happy Women’s History Month, Mary Ritter Beard.