Hello colleagues,
Preservation Services is hosting a pre-program internship in Preservation this summer. Please share the news broadly with anyone who may be interested. No prior experience in conservation/preservation is required, but an interest in pursuing a career in the field is preferred:
The University of Virginia (UVA) Preservation Services Unit is thrilled to host a pre-program internship for Summer 2023. The intern will work primarily with Sue Donovan, the Conservator for Special Collections www.library.virginia.edu/staff/sd3gz. The intern will learn about the tools, techniques, and ethical considerations of library and archives conservation. The internship will be structured around treatment and housing of circulating and special collections items, with a focus on items that amplify the lives and voices of underrepresented populations in UVA Library's collection. Treatments may include page mending, sewing, constructing custom housing, humidifying & flattening, and encapsulating fragile objects.
Depending on the interests and skill level of the intern, the intern may be trained in more complex treatments and/or learn from other members of the Preservation Services Unit with experience in other formats.
The internship will take place over 8 weeks between June 20-August 12, 2023, following the UVA summer session schedule. At the end of the summer, the intern will make a presentation on their time at UVA in a format that the intern will choose (in-person presentation, website, Instagram feed, blog post, etc.).
The intern will be paid an hourly rate of $22.81 per hour.
Potential projects for the intern
The focus of this internship will be on growing skills and familiarity with conservation and preservation in a library and archives setting. UVA Library Special Collections is focused on prioritizing processing and treatment for items that amplify underrepresented and minority voices, and the projects identified for this internship reflect this prioritization.
Charlottesville City Schools Census Cards
The census cards for Black students from the 1920s-30s are damaged with tears to the sides and some damage due to iron clips used to hold cards together. The intern will mend this collection so that the cards can be handled safely by researchers, and they will also learn important skills in assessing risk and what needs to be mended and why.
The C'ville Tribune, Charlottesville-area newspaper from the 1950s
This Black-run newspaper has been identified as a candidate for digitization. The run of issues between 1950-51 is in mostly good shape but has some tears and folds that would benefit from mending prior to digitization in order to get a better image and to prevent further damage.
This is a wage position which is not eligible for leave or other benefits and is limited to 1500 hours of work in a year. For more information, refer to the Wage Employment link: uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/HRM-029
How to apply:
To apply, please submit an application online through Workday at uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and attach a current CV/Resume and Cover Letter addressing your interest in conservation, what you wish to learn from the internship, and how the internship will help you accomplish your goals. Search on requisition number: R0044653.
Questions related to the application process may be directed to Keith Johnson, HR Specialist at fkj2t@virginia.edu.
Review of applications will begin March 20, 2023. Applicants will be notified of their status by April 30.
For anyone wishing for more information about the location or potential internship projects or help with the internship application, please email suedonovan@virginia.edu. There will be an informal, optional Zoom info session/Ask Me Anything (AMA) on March 14 at 12pm EST to address any emailed questions as well as to answer live questions, and you may email suedonovan@virginia.edu for the Zoom link.
There will be one Zoom interview for finalists with Sue Donovan and Kara McClurken, Director of Preservation Services www.library.virginia.edu/staff/kmm6ef. Please let us know of any accessibility needs.
We are interested in reviewing candidates with a broad range and combination of experiences, education, and qualifications. The UVA Library supports career development and provides opportunities for both formal and informal training as part of professional development. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and dynamic workplace, so if you are excited about this role we encourage you to apply.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: GED/High School Graduate
Work Experience: Customer Experience: Volunteer, internship or similar may be considered.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS
Education: Undergraduate degree
Education: currently enrolled in undergraduate courses
Interested conservation/preservation as a career.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This job requires extended periods of time either sitting or standing during treatments. There may be some instances in which lifting boxes weighing more than 20 lbs may be possible, as well as handling of large format objects. Any applicants who may need accommodations for these tasks are encouraged to apply.
COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines
Please visit the UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines webpage prior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirements and guidelines for employment at UVA.
The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician's Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.
Kara M. McClurken
Director, Preservation Services
She/her/hers
Co-Chair, Crisis, Disaster and Tragedy Response Working Group of the Society of American Archivists
University of Virginia Library
434-924-1055
kmm6ef@virginia.edu