Archives Intern, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, New York, NY
Posted March 27, 2019
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation (“Foundation”) is a not-for-profit, grantmaking organization that seeks to strengthen, promote, and, where necessary, defend the contributions of the humanities and the arts to human flourishing and to the well-being of diverse and democratic societies. It makes grants in four core program areas (higher education and scholarship in the humanities; arts and cultural heritage; scholarly communications; and international higher education and strategic projects). The Foundation seeks an Archives Intern to provide support in the Nathan Marsh Pusey Library. This is a 3-month, full-time position.
Summary
Working within the Foundation’s library, the intern will gain experience in archival arrangement and description by processing a set of organizational records, and will use tools such as ArchivesSpace to support this work. The intern will also have the opportunity to engage in historical research and develop educational material for staff outreach, as well as assist in digital preservation and records management initiatives. This internship is ideal for a student seeking experience working with archives and records management in a nonprofit organization.
Position Details
- Appraise, arrange, and describe a series of the Foundation’s archival files, performing minor conservation treatment as needed
- Develop an appraisal report and processing plan to interpret and structure the project towards completion
- Compile descriptive grants information and folder lists for ArchivesSpace
- Research historical information related to the Mellon Foundation and its predecessors and prepare a blog post or similar communication for the Foundation’s intranet
- Minimally assist in the development of digital preservation and records management initiatives
Qualifications
The successful candidate will have the following qualifications:
- Current library and information science graduate student, preferably with a specialization in archives
- Knowledge of basic archival principles of processing, arranging, and describing collections
- Familiarity with basic preservation techniques for archives
- Familiarity with archival collection management systems
- Knowledge or interest in philanthropy a plus
- Related skills: excellent verbal and written communication, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently
The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits, and excellent working conditions.
Contract Information
Candidates should apply by submitting a thoughtful cover letter describing fit for the position together with a resume to: Archives Intern. The Foundation will consider each response carefully, but only contact those individuals it believes are most qualified for the position.