[00:00.58]NARRATOR: Listen to a conversation between a student and an employee in the university's historical library.
[00:08.78]FEMALE EMPLOYEE: Morning! What can I help you find?
[00:11.65]MALE STUDENT: Well, I saw on the Internet that the university library has menus and things from local restaurants—like The Springfield Eatery?[00:18.68]FEMALE EMPLOYEE: Right. A lot of local businesses have donated materials to our collection, including that restaurant. [00:24.35]I'm pretty sure we have, uh, ten or fifteen boxes of materials from there.[00:28.52]MALE STUDENT: Good. I thought you were located in the main library, so I went there first and they sent me here. [00:33.57]I hadn't realized the university had a separate historical library.[00:37.51] I think what you're doing is great—collecting local documents and photos—keeping a record of the region.
[00:42.74]FEMALE EMPLOYEE: I'm glad you see the value in it. [00:44.68]We've been collecting materials for going on seventy years now. [00:48.35]Last year we had an exhibition that showcased how the town square has changed over the past 50 years.
[00:54.64]So that got the word out a little...but you're right—[00:57.73]a lot of students don't know we exist. [01:00.39]Well, unless they're majoring in history. [01:02.54]So, you're looking for something for a class?[01:06.06]MALE STUDENT: Not exactly. [01:07.30]My grandmother went to this university, and while she was here, she worked as a waitress.[01:12.20]FEMALE EMPLOYEE: At The Springfield Eatery.
[01:14.07]MALE STUDENT: Yes, and that's where she met my grandfather! [01:16.55]So, they're celebrating their fiftieth anniversary this year, [01:19.72]and I noticed online that you have old menus from some of the restaurants. [01:22.84]I was thinking I could find one from the year they met and frame a copy for them.[01:26.65]FEMALE EMPLOYEE: What a unique idea! [01:28.23]What year are you looking for?[01:29.83]MALE STUDENT: Uh, 1954.[01:32.11]FEMALE EMPLOYEE: I know we have a few menus from the 1950s, but you'll have to check...[01:36.35]there are some gaps…some years we didn't receive any new materials, and sometimes restaurants go a while without changing their menus....[01:44.06]MALE STUDENT: Oh no! I really wanted to give them something special.
[01:47.23]FEMALE EMPLOYEE: Well… how about this: [01:49.50]We also have a lot of photos, so maybe you could find one of your grandmother—or maybe even one with both of your grandparents.[01:57.28]MALE STUDENT: That’d be awesome!
[01:58.37]FEMALE EMPLOYEE: The only thing is, most of our materials are still in boxes—[02:02.03]no one's ever taken the time to organize them, [02:04.60]so it-it might require a fair amount of sifting.[02:07.52]MALE STUDENT: Hmm…I have a couple a tests coming up, but I can take a quick look, if that's OK.[02:12.73]I know some libraries have special rules for handling delicate or old materials.[02:17.34]FEMALE EMPLOYEE: Well, these aren't particularly old. [02:19.38]Just the usual rules apply…no food or drinks.[02:22.20]MALE STUDENT: OK. Thanks for your help!