Internship at University of Chicago

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
    773-702-9313
    Fax: 773-702-6623
    sbyr<-a t->uchicago< . >edu


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 19:23
                 Distributed: Friday, October 28, 2005
                       Message Id: cdl-19-23-031
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