[PADG:1418] Internship at the 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
2007 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 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
library binding, conservation, preservation reformatting, and other
preservation activities. The Intern will be required to complete a
project and prepare a final report based on their interests and skills
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, 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 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.
•  Designing online staff and user education and training tools.  These will be used to increase general awareness about preservation of library collections and to provide specific instruction and guidance to staff who handle and work with collections. 
•  Researching and developing a decentralized preservation program model or other strategies that will extend the reach of expertise and increase preservation services to collections located in separate buildings.

The outcome of the 1st Somit Preservation Internship was a
project focused on the preservation needs of Library?s non-print media
collections.  Project components included the creation of a
searchable database of key information resources and reference works in
the field and the development of a survey tool that will be used for
assessment and preservation planning.
 
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, 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 2007 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 March 30, 2007, will be assured
consideration.  The Internship is available after April 1,
2007.  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

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