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Documenting COVID-19 at HWS

An initiative of the Hobart and William Smith Colleges Archives & Special Collections

Share Your Story: Documenting COVID-19 at HWS project logo banner

Tips for Creating Journals, Diaries, Scrapbooks, and Other Records

Pick your format. You can write notes in a notebook or a calendar, doodle in a blank notebook, or record yourself in a video log. You can chose a digital or analog format - just make sure that it works for you.

Determine how frequently you would like to add to your record and schedule time to do so. While you don't necessarily need to stick to a strict schedule, regularly setting aside time will help assure that you are adding to your record. Make sure you date each addition to your record.

There is no wrong way to document your experience. Add content that is meaningful to you in whatever way that works best for you.

If you need help figuring out what kinds of things to document, take a look at the questions listed on the Prompt Ideas tab on the left side of this page.

 

Other Tips for Documenting Your Experience

Designate a single location for your collection, whether that's a physical box or a digital folder. If you are creating an analog (rather than digital) record, please email the archives to discuss how to donate your contribution.

Don't worry about documenting every single possible thought or idea. Focus on documenting what is most meaningful to you.

Words and images are both powerful. Consider using either or even both in documenting your experience. If you are using photographs in documenting your experience it is helpful to label them with information such as when and where the photograph was taken as well as who is in the photograph.

Please comply with stay-at-home orders while self-documenting.

There is no deadline to submit your contribution. The Archives & Special Collections will accept your donation at anytime.

Ready to submit your story? Fill out this Google Form.

Your experience and contribution is important. Thank you for helping us document COVID-19 at HWS.