Multiple Internships, Nantucket Historical Association, Nantucket, MA
Posted July 11, 2019
The Nantucket Historical Association’s Research Library is offering three paid internships during fall 2019. Individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities are encouraged to apply for these internships.
The internship is sixteen weeks with a September 3 start date, though there is some room for flexibility. Interns work 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and are paid $12 per hour. Intern housing is available, and interns are eligible for a public transit commuter pass.
Requirements for all internships: Enrollment in or graduation from an ALA-accredited master’s program; completed coursework in archival theory and practice or relevant experience with archival materials; solid time management skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines; excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to work independently, to seek clarification, and to offer suggestions when needed; strong research skills and an attention to detail.
Please send a cover letter that indicates the internship for which you are applying and a description of how this internship aligns with your career goals, a resume, and two references to [email protected]. Deadline for applications is August 11.
Archives intern:
The primary responsibility of the archives intern is to arrange and describe manuscript, photographic, and audiovisual collections. They assist with collection development activities such as completing accessioning paperwork and establishing initial physical and intellectual control of collections. The archives intern catalogs print materials as needed and, in consultation with the archivist, flags materials for digitization and creates appropriate metadata. They compile processing and cataloging statistics, and perform other duties as assigned.
Skills/Knowledge desired: Basic understanding of archival appraisal, arrangement, description, and preservation; familiarity with DACS, RDA, and MPLP methodology; experience with handling rare/fragile materials; strong research and organizational skills.
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Reference and Outreach intern:
The reference and outreach intern staffs the Research Library’s reference desk and monitors the reading room; responds to inquiries received via telephone, email, or in person; and compiles reference statistics. They also contribute to the library’s instruction and outreach efforts, including preparing for events, creating collections-based content for social media, and developing community-focused, off-season programs. The reference and outreach intern also helps with ongoing projects to improve researcher accessibility and discoverability of NHA collections, including developing DACS-compliant finding aids for legacy collections and developing or enhancing reference resources. They perform other duties as assigned.
Skills/Knowledge desired: Experience with handling rare/fragile materials; patience, helpfulness, and an enthusiasm for working with the public; completed coursework in reference and user services; interest in connecting with users through social media.
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Digitization and Metadata intern:
The digitization and metadata intern participates in all stages of the digitization workflow, including selection of materials, image capture, and metadata creation. They work with the archivist to develop digitization priorities, with a focus on bound materials and photographs, and research intellectual property issues related to collection materials as needed. Working with staff and fellow interns, they respond to researcher-based reproduction requests, creating invoices, scanning materials, and delivering files. The digitization and metadata intern also completes ongoing metadata cleanup and verification as part of the organization’s collections management software migration. They explore opportunities to promote the library’s collection through social media posts, the NHA member newsletter, and other applicable outlets. They perform other duties as assigned.
Skills/Knowledge desired: Familiarity with handwritten documents; familiarity with digital imaging and image file types; comfortable with learning new technology and problem solving; familiarity with descriptive standards and metadata schemas; ability to use Adobe Bridge.