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
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
   sbyr [at] uchicago__edu
   1100 East 57th Street, JRL 150
   Chicago, IL 60637
   773-702-9313
   Fax: 773-702-6623


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 21:30
                Distributed: Tuesday, November 13, 2007
                       Message Id: cdl-21-30-009
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