Photo Preservation Internship, Wildlife Conservation Society Archives, New York City, New York
Posted December 9, 2015
(2 positions available)
The Wildlife Conservation Society Archives is seeking two highly motivated and energetic individuals for a grant-funded paid photographic preservation project internship.
Founded in 1895 as the New York Zoological Society, the Wildlife Conservation Society is committed to saving wildlife and wild places worldwide. This initiative is carried out through science, global conservation, education, and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Documenting the history of this work, the WCS Archives includes records related to the histories of the Bronx Zoo, the New York Aquarium, international field work projects, and other WCS institutions and activities.
Learning Opportunities and Responsibilities
Under guidance from the WCS Institutional Archivist, the Photo Preservation Interns will learn about the care and preservation of photographic negatives. The interns will be trained in the proper handling and rehousing of photographic negatives for their long-term preservation. The internship will take as its focus 12,000 photographic negatives from WCS’s historical photograph collection. These negatives feature images dating from the earliest years of the Bronx Zoo and the New York Aquarium, from 1899 to approximately 1930. Approximately one-third of these are glass plate negatives. The training received through the internship will allow the successful interns to clean and rehouse the 12,000 photographic
The Photo Preservation Interns will each commit to 300 total hours of work onsite at the Bronx Zoo to be performed over 20 weeks, beginning January 25, 2016.
Requirements
- Enrollment in, or recent completion of, MLIS or similar degree with a concentration in archival studies from an ALA-accredited program, or equivalent graduate degree in Archives
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to work both independently and under supervision
- Demonstrated ability to set priorities and meet strict deadlines
Preferred Qualifications
- Interest in historical photographic preservation and care
- Interest in the history of American zoo and aquarium field and/or the history of international wildlife conservation
Compensation
The Photo Preservation Interns will receive a stipend of approximately $5,000 each, less applicable taxes and deductions ($3,875).
Application Instructions
For full consideration, interested individuals should submit a resume and a statement of interest describing what you hope to bring to the internship and gain from the experience. Please email your cover letter and resume to: [email protected]; specify “Photo Preservation Intern, Spring 2016” in the subject of your email.