[PADG:703] Internship at University of Chicago Library

[Sherry Byrne <sbyr@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The Mary and Samuel Somit Preservation Internship
The University of Chicago Library

The University of Chicago Library is accepting applications for the
2006 Mary and Samuel Somit Preservation Internship.  This
newly established Internship has been made possible through the
generosity of Dr. Albert Somit (AB ?41, PhD ?47), University of Chicago
alumnus and past president of Southern Illinois University.  Dr.
Somit has established the Internship to honor his parents? legacy, serve
the needs of the Library?s collection and prepare individuals for
important work to preserve and protect library materials and other
scholarly works so that they are available for research and teaching in
the future.

The Internship is intended to provide firsthand experience and a broader
understanding of the care and treatment of library and archives materials
in an academic library.  Under the direction of the Preservation
Librarian, the Intern will learn about the organization and operations of
a comprehensive preservation program and preservation issues and
challenges within the context of a large research library.  The
Intern will work with staff from the Preservation Department and the
Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) who are responsible for
binding, preservation reformatting, conservation and other preservation
activities. The Intern will be required to complete a project based on
their interests and skills and the needs of the Preservation Department
and the SCRC.  Representative activities may include:

·        Gathering background documentation and synthesizing information on selected preservation issues or topics. Through this work, the Intern will become familiar with literature in the preservation field as well as successful preservation strategies. 

·        Working with staff who make preservation selection decisions for materials that will be transferred to the Library?s planned new shelving facility, materials that will be digitally reformatted, and materials needing other preservation actions and treatments.  The Intern will learn how library materials and research patterns differ from one discipline to another and how these factors and priorities impact decision-making for preservation.

·        Designing and implementing a pilot project that documents the variables and tests the workflow for a preservation production operation, such as identifying materials in need of preservation and testing preservation approaches.  This will be an opportunity to apply, test, and fine-tune hypothetical concepts in a day-to-day working environment.

·        Developing, performing, and documenting condition assessments or surveys for print and media collections. This information will be used to prioritize, plan, and implement general or specific treatment programs.

Eligibility and requirements:
Graduates and currently enrolled students of a recognized library or
conservation program; or students (graduate or undergraduate) with
equivalent experience and training in preservation or book
conservation.  Applicants must be familiar
with preservation principles and
conservation treatments and possess the ability to work collaboratively
and independently to accomplish project goals. Familiarity with Windows
and/or XP, PC network environment, word-processing and spreadsheet
software is important.

Applicants must commit to six consecutive weeks of full-time work or a
schedule that is mutually agreeable.  The 2006 Internship provides a
$3000 stipend.  A final project report is required.

Students who are interested in the Internship should submit a letter of
application expressing their interest in this opportunity as well as a
resume and the names and e-mail addresses of three references.
Applications received by December 1, 2005, will be assured
consideration.  The Internship is available after January 1,
2006.  The actual appointment date will be based on discussions with
the Preservation Librarian and the successful applicant.  

The University of Chicago Library is an equal opportunity/affirmative
action employer.

Applications should be sent to:

        

        

        

        

Sherry Byrne

        

        

        

        

Preservation
Librarian

        

        

        

        

University of
Chicago Library

        

        

        

        

1100 East
57th Street, JRL 150

        

        

        

        

Chicago, IL
60637

        

        

        

        

Phone: (773)
702-9313

        

        

        

        

Fax:

   

(773) 702-6623

        

        

        

        

Email:

 

sbyr@xxxxxxxxxxxx

Sherry Byrne
Preservation Librarian
University of Chicago Library
1100 E. 57th Street, Room 150
Chicago, IL  60637
sbyr@xxxxxxxxxxxx
(773) 702-9313 voice
(773) 702-6623 fax