The Center for Knit and Crochet (CKC) seeks an intern for the summer of 2016. The successful candidate will identify the extent to which galleries, libraries, archives, and museums have or do not have digitized collections of knitting, crochet, and related arts (described below) for five weeks during the summer, a total of 105 hours (21 hours per week). The internship carries a stipend of $1,050. There are no benefits. The internship offers a chance to work on an exciting project at one of the nation’s leading research libraries, the Library Company of Philadelphia (LCP). The intern will work directly with an executive board member of CKC who is also the IT Manager and Digital Humanities Coordinator at LCP. The intern will also provide support to LCP staff during scheduled working hours - including but not limited to coverage at the reception desk and in the reading rooms when those departments are in need of assistance (lunches, tours, special events, etc.).
Project Description
The intent of this project is to identify the extent to which galleries, libraries, archives, and museums have or do not have digitized collections of knitting, crochet, and related arts. This project will result in a report with actionable data that will allow CKC to plan next steps for establishing partnerships within the GLAM community and begin the planning and implementation of the online museum. The online museum will be an international clearing house of data and images aggregated from partner GLAM (Galleries Libraries Archives Museums) institutions' online repositories. It will also provide the opportunity to standardize and expand collection data using the CKC nomenclature. Ultimately this resource will expand to allow for the CKC community to share personal collections and histories creating a complete view of our knitting and crochet heritage.
Goals and Objectives
This project is a part of the Library Company’s ongoing efforts to promote the creation of compelling and ramifying digital content. The Center for Knit and Crochet collections survey project will allow an intern the opportunity to research, investigate, and document both digital and physical collections of knitting, crochet, and related arts worldwide. The intern will survey collections using qualitative and quantitative measures to rank each collection’s research value as well as the state of the collection’s intellectual access, physical access, housing, and physical condition. The successful candidate will possess a basic understanding of digital libraries and online research, a keen curiosity about the history of knitting and crochet, and a desire to apply that knowledge and curiosity in a real world setting. The internship combines practical experience in the growing field of Digital Humanities as well as broader experience working on a goal-oriented project that revolves around deadlines, task negotiation, project management, and collaboration.
Minimum Requirements
- Proficiency with Google Drive (particularly Google Sheets).
- Ability to work on a Windows platform, including the use of Microsoft Office Suite software such as Outlook, Word and Excel.
- Familiarity with digital repositories, catalogs, and finding aids.
- Excellent analytical, oral, and written communication skills.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated abilities to work collegially with staff, researchers, and colleagues.
- Ability to recognize own strengths and weaknesses and utilize constructive feedback to improve performance.
- Ability to both work independently and proactively seek assistance.
Preferred Skills
- Experience working with archives and manuscript materials in a variety of formats.
- Familiarity with a wide range of digital library standards and practices.
About the Center for Knit and Crochet
The Center for Knit and Crochet, (“CKC”), was incorporated in December 2012 as a Wisconsin Non-stock corporation to “preserve and promote the art, craft, and scholarship of knitting, crochet, and related arts.” To achieve these goals, CKC plans to establish an online museum, study center, and social networking environment enhanced by exhibitions, access to current scholarship, and educational programs. Visit us at http://centerforknitandcrochet.org/
About the Library Company
The Library Company of Philadelphia is an independent research library specializing in American history and culture from the 17th through the 19th centuries. Open to the public free of charge, the Library Company houses an extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, broadsides, ephemera, prints, photographs, and works of art. Founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin, the Library Company is America's oldest cultural institution and served as the Library of Congress from the Revolutionary War to 1800. The Library Company was the largest public library in America until the Civil War. Visit us at http://www.librarycompany.org
The Library Company of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.
Please send resume and names of two references to Nicole H. Scalessa at nscalessa@librarycompany.org by June 1, 2016. The search will continue until the position is filled.