American Archives Month Employee Spotlights - Racheal Carter-Ragan
Name: Racheal Carter-Ragan
Job Title: FOIA Coordinator/Archivist at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum
How long have you worked at the National Archives?
20 years.
What made you interested in being an archivist? Why did you want to work at your Presidential Library in particular?
My story is a little different than most. I didn't know about the National Archives or archival work until I started working at the Clinton Presidential Library as an admissions clerk during my first semester as an undergraduate. I always enjoyed history in school, so when I had the opportunity to apply to be a Student Career Experience Program student trainee in the audiovisual archives, I couldn't pass up my chance. It was during those early years as a student that I began to understand the work an archivist does at a Presidential Library and the importance of the National Archives. I'm a naturally gifted reader (I have an English literature degree as well as history), so I applied to be a textual archivist at the Clinton Library to better use my skills.
Give us an overview of your job. What are some of your responsibilities?
As an archivist at a Presidential Library, I wear many hats. I'm the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) coordinator here. I'm responsible for the initial intake of FOIA requests, which includes setting up the case in our system, assigning searches, and corresponding with our FOIA requesters. In my archival processing, I specialize in the systematic processing of domestic policy and First Lady records. I work in our research room as well as pull records for our researchers. Perhaps one of my favorite hats these days is serving on our Public Outreach Committee, where I get to assist with public programs and student outreach.
What’s the strangest thing that’s happened to you in this line of work? What’s the best?
Hmm, this is tough. I'd say the strangest thing to happen was when I worked in AV, handling reference. I once had a requester, out of gratitude, offer to weave a Persian rug of my face. (I politely declined.) As for the best, there's so many—every time I have the pleasure of meeting with one of the White House staffers whose records I processed, or every time I'm on desk duty in the research room and one of the collections I processed is requested. I love being able to talk with the researcher about the records and see how they are being used. I also love meeting previous FOIA requesters when they come to view their open collections. It allows me to connect a face with the person I corresponded with at the beginning of their FOIA journey. Honestly, I could go on and on.
What’s your favorite fact about the President for your particular library?
That he has a ton of allergies! President Clinton has terrible seasonal allergies, which is why he is often hoarse while giving speeches. He's also allergic to milk, chocolate, and flour. You can see evidence of this by looking at White House event dinner menus. There's often a sorbet served because even though he was allergic to a lot of typical ingredients in sweets, he still loves eating dessert!
You’re having dinner with the President of your library. What restaurant would you take him to, or what would you cook? What artifact would you ask him about? Why?
Oh, I'd definitely take him to a local vegan restaurant in Little Rock called Flora Jeans. It's actually right up the road from our library. As for asking about a specific artifact, I think I'd ask about what his favorite artifact is instead.
If you were making a movie about your President, what would the tagline be, and who would you cast? Why?
"It's the economy, stupid" would definitely be my tagline. I think David Morse would do great as President Clinton.
What advice would you have for someone interested in a career in archival work, or how would you convince someone to consider a career in archival work?
My advice would be to find an archival institution and volunteer. I think it takes a particular kind of person to work in an archive. You have to enjoy history, but you also have to enjoy bringing order to chaos. Our work can be very tedious and detail-oriented, so the best way to know if it's something you'd like to pursue as a career is to witness and assist in the work firsthand.
Lastly (and most importantly), why should people visit or learn more about your Presidential Library?
I may be biased since much of my childhood took place during the Clinton administration, but the 1990s was one of the best decades! There was so much optimism and hope for the future. President Clinton's administration ushered in the new millennium. You can feel that sense of excitement and urgency for a new era in our records and museum exhibits.