The Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections, a department within the J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, is currently seeking applicants for the Friends of the Michigan Tech Library Graduate Archives Internship for spring 2022. The intern selected will receive experience in a variety of collections processing tasks as the position will be dedicated to the arrangement, cleaning, description, and promotion of a significant bank records collection. Under supervision, the intern will make recommendations for collections care, acquire necessary supplies, develop a processing and conservation plan, and physically process a large collection of diverse formats.
Preference will be given to applicants currently enrolled in or recent graduates of (within twelve months) a graduate archival studies program, but consideration may be given for equivalent education and experience.
The intern will have primary responsibility for processing a large set of bank records, including materials from the Northern Michigan Building & Loan Association, which later became the Detroit & Northern Savings and Loan Association (D&N). Active in the city of Hancock, Michigan, from 1889 to 2000, the bank provided financial services to businesses and community members during the height of Upper Peninsula copper mining, as well as during its decline. Materials in this collection are expected to be of great value to a variety of researchers, including but not limited to social historians, business historians, and genealogists.
The contents of this collection spent considerable time in difficult environmental conditions before being received by the Michigan Tech Archives. Although they have undergone initial cleaning and successful pest remediation, the intern should expect that the first phase of work will consist heavily of basic preservation and conservation.
Required Skills/Abilities
- Knowledge of contemporary archival practices, policies, and procedures.
- Knowledge and experience applying controlled subject access vocabularies and thesauri.
- Knowledge of DACS and experience applying archival descriptive standards.
- Familiarity with integrated library systems and archival collection management systems. Knowledge of ArchivesSpace preferred.
- Basic knowledge of preservation for paper-based collections. Experience with cleaning and conservation care for paper-based collections preferred.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to communicate effectively with supervisor, team members, and library colleagues.
- Ability to lift boxes weighing up to 40 lbs and push carts weighing up to 100 lbs.
Terms of Position
This is a 35 hour per week, part-time spring position intended to span fifteen weeks. The preferred start date is January 10, 2022 with an end date of April 22, 2022. There are no benefits included with this position and the successful candidate will be expected to cover travel expenses to Houghton, Michigan. The intern will be compensated for actual work performed in the form of a stipend up to $7500, to be paid out bi-weekly throughout the duration of employment. Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed. Applications must be received by October 15, 2021 for full consideration.
Direct any questions, or submit your cover letter and resume to:
Lindsay Hiltunen, University Archivist
Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections
Van Pelt and Opie Library
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, MI 49931
copper@mtu.edu
(906) 487-2505
Michigan Tech is an EOE that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.