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Smithsonian Libraries Accepting Professional Development Internship Applications

The Smithsonian Libraries will award up to three paid internships for graduate students interested in working in research and museum libraries for the summer of 2012. The internships cover specific areas of librarianship, including technical services, digital projects and research, and reference and reader services. Below are the available projects. Applications close March 12th, 2012.

 

NASM Sheet Music Cataloging

Candidates interested in the Libraries’ technical services will work in the Discovery Services Department, gaining valuable cataloging and metadata skills,  particularly as they pertain to the description of sheet music held in the National Air and Space Museum branch.  Intern will catalog sheet music by upgrading existing brief records.  One of the special objectives of this project is to provide access to the graphic content of the publications, usually an illustrated title page (often referred to as a sheet music cover). 

 

The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of cataloging (music cataloging desirable) through coursework or practical experience.  The ability to read musical notation is desirable.  Bachelor’s degree in music preferred, but bachelor’s degree in any humanities field (art, literature, history, etc.) that would provide general background knowledge of American popular culture in late 19th century and 20th century would be acceptable.

 

 

Digital Asset Management System (DAMS) Workflow Project

Candidates interested in digital projects will assist Digital Services and Metadata Services staff in developing a workflow for the transfer of digital images from  cds to the  Smithsonian's enterprise-wide Digital Asset Management System. The intern will help to develop an efficient workflow for the ingest of files, including transferring them from their current media and  embedding metadata.

 

The ideal candidate will be a graduate student with interest in digital preservation and knowledge of IPTC metadata. Experience with Artesia a plus.

 

Artists’ Books

Candidates interested in research, reference and reader services will work in the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Library where they will address advanced bibliographic searching and developing exhibition ideas featuring artists’ books.

 

For this internship, an MLS graduate student with art background is preferred; class work or experience with cataloging/metadata. Exhibition experience is a plus but not necessary.

 

 

Information for all applications:

Qualified applicants must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, hold a 3.0 GPA in their major, demonstrate interest in the research and museological activities of the Smithsonian Institution and Libraries and show solid writing, analytical and computer skills. The internships are offered to current students and recent graduates of accredited library programs. Interns may receive up to $500 dollars per week for a maximum of six weeks. Applications for summer 2012 internships will be accepted on a rolling basis until March 12. Candidates who are not selected for the Libraries’ paid internship program may be eligible to receive non-paid internships. To view program information, requirements and additional details visit http://www.sil.si.edu/Galaxy.cfm?id=3.21.

 

 

 

 

 

One Comment

  1. Kally van Smidt

    Sounds like a great opportunity and a spectacular way to get an inside experience in this great institution. I will pass it forward.

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