Sanford-Springvale Historical Society is looking for a Collections & Archives Intern to begin as soon as possible. 

This internship is ongoing and available to degree and non-degree interns.  The honorarium is $2,000 and will be paid at the conclusion of the internship.  It is expected the intern put in 120-140 hours in order to be eligible for the honorarium and will be based upon performance.  Please send your cover letter and resume to Patricia Violette-Adams at pviolette@sanfordhistory.org.

Description:

This paid internship is designed as an introduction to the basic theories, methodologies, significant challenges and opportunities relating to the management of records, particularly archival records, the practical administration of archives, and the institutions, programs, and associations that support this work. This course will provide a basic understanding of archives and archival work which will enable students to better understand the role of archives in the world of information management and enable them to perceive differences and similarities between archivists, records managers, manuscript curators, rare book librarians, librarians, and other information professionals. 

The course will address the following key questions:

• What are collections and archives and why are they important?
• What principles and concepts guide the work of curators?
• What are the basic components of curatorial program?
• How does Collections and Education provide the background for a well-thought interpretation?
• How are archival records appraised, arranged and described, and made available for use?
• What are the basic elements of a records management program and how does that impact archives?
• What has been the impact of new information technologies on archival theory and practice?
• What is the future of the collections and archival profession?

Student Learning Outcomes:

This course will:

• introduce students to the basic theoretical principles and methodologies and the various practices involved in administering archives and records management programs.
• provide a basic understanding of archival work so that students can make an informed decision about pursuing a professional career in archives.
• provide a basic understanding of the importance of records in the information age and of records management as an important tool and function in an archival program.
• provide a basic understanding of how new information technologies are transforming archival theory and practice and how archivists are attempting to meet this challenge.
• introduce students to the classic writings in the archives and records management professions.
• encourage interns to begin thinking critically about strategies for managing the archival record in the modern information age.
• prepare students for internships in an archival repository and prepare them for more advanced classes or workshops in archival administration or records management.
• Prepare and train students to use PastPerfect – the museum standard database program to track collections.

Primary Requirements:

Course requirements include:

• adequate preparation to discuss the required reading assignments and fully participate in discussions and exercises.
• composition of weekly 2-paragraph reflections that will gauge your understanding of the processes or in response to questions posed by the Executive Director. Reflections are due at the end of each week and can be emailed to pviolette@sanfordhistory.org.
• Exhibit planning and creation
• PastPerfect database training and implementation
• Attend Acquisition and Accession Committee Meetings

Assessment:

Homework assignments:  Students will sometimes be asked to read professional development documents and take part in discussions. Students will be asked to visit one (1) historical society to examine how they document their collections and ask questions on their normal day-to-day operations of curation.  A list will be provided for the students to choose their site. 

Participation: Attendance, participation during demonstrations, and leading discussion of assigned readings.

Project:  The intern will assist with exhibit creation. Students will submit a plan based on ideas provided by the Executive Director. The plan will address the exhibit goals and objectives, potential collaborators/partners, supplies, budget, and exhibit outline. Students will assist with any fundraising associated with the exhibit.

Final Paper: The students will submit a 3–5-page essay describing your experience with our organization. The essay will include suggestions for moving forward, innovative thoughts on bringing technology into exhibitions, and a general overall reflection of what you learned and how this content knowledge will guide your future career efforts. Students will be expected to draw from the readings, research and weekly discussions from the entire semester.