University of Chicago – Preservation Internship

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 <at> uchicago.edu

1100 East 57th Street, JRL 150

Chicago, IL 60637

Phone: (773) 702-9313

Fax:      (773) 702-6623