Library Intern: Archival Processing (HE-05); Athens-Clarke County Library Heritage Room

Overview

• Status: Part-time; hourly; without benefits
• Hours: Up to 17 hours per week; schedule for this position is flexible, but interns must commit to schedule at least four hours on one day
• Wages: $15.00 per hour
• Application Deadline: Open until filled

Bilingual skills (English and Spanish) preferred but not required.

Purpose and Scope 

Athens Regional Library System has an opening for a part-time, temporary Heritage Room Archival Processing Intern in the Athens-Clarke County Library for the Spring 2023 semester. This is a part-time, paid position of up to 17 hours per week that will end no later than June 25, 2023 with an option to renew for an additional year. Preference will be given to candidates completing the internship for course credit, and accommodations can be made per the requirements of the course. Graduate-level students with a focus in archival studies, history, historic preservation, or library and information science are strongly encouraged to apply. This position reports to and will be directed by the Archives and Special Collections Coordinator.

The successful candidate will gain experience in handling fragile objects, collection arrangement and description, evaluating materials for preservation and/or conservation treatment, and leading digital preservation projects. All equipment and training will be provided by the Heritage Room, where most of the work will be performed.

Minimum Training and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required, with completion of at least the introductory courses in archives principles and practices via an accredited library science program preferred, or any combination of education, training and experience that provides requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for the position. 

Essential Functions 

The following are normal, but not exclusive or all-inclusive, expectations for this job. Other duties of a similar nature or level may be required as assigned, and job assignments and work schedule are subject to change during the internship.

• Accessions collections of 19th and 20th century personal papers, administrative records, and maps.
• Processes collections, including physical arrangement (sorting; cleaning; boxing; labeling) according to archival principles, with re-housing in archival enclosures.
• Inventories and describes materials, creating collection guides and other basic finding aids with appropriate index terms.
• Enters appropriate metadata records into ArchivesSpace, the library’s collection management database.
• Will research people or events covered by a collection.
• Communicates and works cooperatively with other Heritage Room interns and staff.
• Writes blog posts for publication on the library’s website and social media outlets.
• Attends processing meetings to participate in collective assessment of finding aids and project discussions.
• Participates in a collaborative digital preservation team of volunteers in various digital projects. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• May participate in approved, off-site outreach programs or events.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Knowledge and skills for upholding the library’s core values; ability to provide external and internal service that is welcoming, committed to excellence, inclusive, and respectful and that supports the community and co-workers.
• Knowledge of basic archival principles and philosophy, including provenance, arrangement, and description.
• Familiarity with the Dublin Core metadata schema.
• Ability to work with people with tact, patience, and courtesy and exercise excellent communication skills.
• Personal computer proficiency with online databases, search engines, and office software suites.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and make critical decisions using established practices and procedures.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions.
• Ability to learn digitization and scanning technologies and best practices for digital preservation including image capture and metadata creation.
• Knowledge of 19th and 20th century American History.
• Knowledge of historical sources, including books, indexes, microforms, databases, original records, websites and serials. 
• Ability to maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance.
• Physical demand requirements are at levels of those of Medium Work.

Athens Regional Library System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the library may provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees to discuss potential necessary accommodations. The library is a drug-free workplace and may require a pre-employment drug test. Verification of identity and employment authorization through E-Verify will be required.

Submit an online job application including a resume, cover letter describing qualifications and expectations for this internship, and a letter of recommendation from an academic advisor or supervisor. If completing the internship for course credit, the letter should clearly state the program’s internship requirements, including the number of hours and evaluation procedures required to successfully complete the internship.