The Mary
and Samuel Somit Preservation Internship
The University of Chicago Library
The University
of Chicago Library is accepting
applications for the 2008 Mary
and Samuel Somit Preservation Internship. This Internship, established in
2006, 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 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 have the opportunity to work
with staff and carry out a project under the guidance of the Head of
Conservation, the Preservation Reformatting Librarian, or the Preservation
Manager in the Special Collections Research Center (SCRC). The selection
of a project and the completion of a final report will be based on the
interests and skills of the Intern and the needs of the Preservation Department
and the SCRC.
Representative projects include:
Gathering background documentation and synthesizing information on a selected
preservation issues or topics. Through this work, the Intern will become
familiar with an aspect of the preservation literature.
Designing and implementing a pilot project that documents the variables
and tests the workflow for a preservation production operation. This will
be an opportunity to apply, test, and fine-tune hypothetical concepts in a daily
working environment.
Developing, performing, and documenting a condition assessment or
survey for a print or media collection. 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, book conservation, or digital
reformatting. Applicants must be familiar with preservation principles, conservation
treatments, and reformatting activities and possess the ability to work
collaboratively and independently to accomplish project goals. Familiarity
with Windows XP, PC network environment, word-processing and spreadsheet
software is important.
Applicants must commit to six consecutive weeks of full-time work or a part-time
schedule over a specified time period that is mutually agreeable. The 2008
Internship provides a $3,000 stipend.
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 15, 2007, will be assured consideration. The
Internship is available after June 1, 2008. 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.
Submit applications by email to:
Sherry
Byrne
Preservation Librarian
University of Chicago Library
Email: sbyr@xxxxxxxxxxxx
1100 East 57th Street,
JRL 150
Chicago, IL
60637
Phone: (773) 702-9313
Fax: (773)
702-6623