ARCHIVAL FELLOW, Gorgas Memorial Library (Silver Spring, MD)

Posted January 10, 2023

Description

This fellowship position supports the Gorgas Memorial Library (GML) at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). The fellow will review the library’s archival collections and supplement its finding aids with historical information that relates to the history of science and medicine. The fellow will identify photo-sensitive or fragile documents, prepare for digitization of archival materials, and provide guidance on library-specific metadata using Dublin Core standards. The fellow will also propose ideas for digital and physical displays that highlight materials in the collection and their impact on the history of science. The fellow will prepare a final report that compiles historical information, digitization recommendations, and suggestions for future displays.
The fellow will:

• Review records with appropriate care for fragile and/or damaged records.
• Review and edit finding aids to ensure that they represent the breadth of the collection.
• Author biographical and historical notes that provide context for archival materials and connect the subject
  matter to the history of science and medicine, conducting additional research as needed.
• Create labels to facilitate organization at the box and folder level.
• Catalog archival materials in the library’s integrated library system.
• Research copyright for archival materials in preparation for digitization.
• Prepare an SOP for digitization of the library’s archival materials and archival description using the Dublin
  Core framework.
• Collaborate with WRAIR departments to digitize materials.
• Create digital and physical displays using the library’s archival materials.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
The fellow will learn how Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) and its affiliated subcommands have contributed to the study of infectious diseases and military medicine. The fellow will learn how to present this knowledge – through historical notes, digital and physical displays, and a final report — in a way that encourages accessibility and findability and in accordance with applicable archival standards.
QUALIFICATIONS:

• Coursework in Library/Information Science or Archives required, preferably graduate coursework towards a
  Master’s in Information and Library Science or Master’s in Archival Science.
• Experience with archives and libraries preferred.
• A self-starter: demonstrated ability to work independently and intuitively.
• Strong writing, research, organization, communication, and time management skills.
• Attention to detail
  
• SCHEDULE:
  Maximum of 25 hours per week during business hours (7:45am-4:30 pm); primarily on-site with the potential for some remote work. This is a temporary position and is anticipated to last 6 months.
  ANTICIPATED STIPEND:
  The stipend will be equivalent to $16-25/hour, depending on experience and education.
  How to Apply
  Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, a resume, and a list of 2 references, at least one academic, to usarmy.detrick.medcom-wrair.mbx.gorgas-inter-library-loan@health.mil. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
  We value diversity and welcome candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, and a background check is required for this position.