Archival Student Intern

Archival Student Intern
Bound Brook Library
Somerset County Library System

The purpose of the Bound Brook Archives is to identify, acquire, preserve, and make accessible historically significant documents and other materials that reflect the Archives’ origins and development and enhance the Archives’ unique areas of expertise in documenting Bound Brook history. The Bound Brook Library is looking for a student intern to assist with the reorganization of a 100 year plus archive, focusing specifically on vertical files.

Job responsibilities

Organizes and arranges archival materials in alphabetical, chronological or other appropriate orders
Performs routine procedures to arrange for the preservation of the materials
Labels clippings folders and other archival containers
Compiles listings of materials in collections as appropriate
Compiles, inputs and formats data on collection material and collection activities in manual and automated files
Prepares materials for digitization
Digitize materials
Performs clerical functions incidental to library activities
Required knowledge & skills
Extensive routine and non-routine use of a major library catalog or reference database
Classifies material for filing, use of straightforward or complex filing system
Understands non-routine notes, written instructions, and general policy statements
Some experience working with organizing and preserving archival materials
Writes simple, internal memoranda, fills out complex forms
Extensive technical skills, including good command of Microsoft Office software, Google For Work, Internet searching, digitization equipment and use of library information technology.

Experience, education and formal training:
1 year of related work experience or 2 semesters of Library Science instruction
Other Qualifications:
Strong attention to detail.
Proficient in communicating effectively orally and in writing.
Excellent organizational skills
Creative, engaged, self-motivated, and curious to learn. A passion for and ability to serve people of diverse backgrounds.

Desire to work in a collaborative environment.
Strong interpersonal skills and a creative problem-solving attitude.

Ability to shelve materials and perform some lifting.
Learning Objectives:
Archival and object-handling skills
Understanding of how archival principles and standards are applied in real-world settings
Learn about the appraisal of the documents for retention in the collection
Gain an understanding of archival document retention strategies, as not all the materials are worthy of permanent retention.