Toni Vornhagen
INFO 266
Blog Post 6
Joseph Janes Pod Cast
Joseph
Janes is an associate professor/ chair in the MLIS program at University of Washington. Professor Janes does podcasts that can be
seen on YouTube. The one I watched is
called Documents That Changed the World and is about an hour long. The hour flies by while this charming and
intelligent man tells engaging stories of historical events that shaped the way
we live today. He discusses the meaning
of a document, its effects as well as its historical value. A document is everything from a receipt, the
bible, a wanted poster, and the AIDS quilt. It can be anything from mixed media to a human voice and be of
little consequence or have profound importance. Documents can be oral, aural, a painting, a
bill or a video. Today our life is a
string of documents. But more
interesting are the ubiquitous items we have come to take for granted that
Janes highlights such as the Rosie the Riveter poster. It was originally not meant for the public,
just the factory where the women came to work.
It was meant to inspire and was based on a song. It has taken on a life
of its own; a symbol of women, home, a period in time and war. Documents add order and structure and
meaning. They also become beloved such
as the original rule book for soccer…who knew?
` This
podcast reminds me of the fine lectures I enjoyed at UC Davis. It was not a burden to go to class when the
professor was so eloquent and engaging.
Janes simplifies without talking down.
He is humorous while educating.
As a library student, I want to know the reasons behind the items I
maintain and care for but as person interested in the history and modern
connections of humanity, I enjoy Jane’s gift of storytelling. This hour is worth your time.
