About JDC Archives: http://archives.jdc.org/
The JDC Archives houses one of the most significant collections in the world for the study of modern Jewish history. Comprising the organizational records of JDC, the overseas rescue, relief, and rehabilitation arm of the American Jewish community, the archives includes over 3 miles of text documents, 100,000 photographs, a research library of more than 6,000 books, 1,100 audio recordings including oral histories, and a collection of 2,500 videos.
Processing Opportunity
JDC is seeking a candidate to process valuable institutional records of the organization’s activities.
Responsibilities include:
- Arranging and describing historic records of the organization's century-long history
- Conducting necessary research to effectively describe the content and condition of materials according to institutional standards
- Updating inventories and finding aids for collections
Qualifications:
Interest in archives and information science is recommended. Experience processing archival records preferred, but not necessary. Concurrent coursework in Archives, Library Science, Museum Studies, Political Science, or History recommended.
Indexing Project Opportunity
The JDC is seeking candidates to assist in indexing important historic lists for publication in our database. This is perfect for those with an interest in Jewish or general history, genealogy, the non-profit sector, library science or archival work.
Responsibilities include:
- Researching new documents
- Cataloguing names directly into database
- Administering quality control
- Qualifications:
- General computer skills and high attention to detail are required. An interest in history and genealogy are highly recommended.
Photo Opportunity
The Photo Collection of the JDC Archives contains over 100,000 images. These photographs offer a rich historical overview of activities conducted by JDC for 10 decades in over 90 countries around the world. More than 45,000 photographs have already been digitally scanned and cataloged. The Archives is seeking a candidate to assist us with the preservation of the photo collection.
Responsibilities include:
- Preparing original photographs for archival storage and scanning
- Integrating new photographs into existing cataloguing system
- Entering and copy-editing information into the Archives database
- Qualifications:
- A familiarity with Word, Excel and database procedures is recommended. Library or archival training is preferred.
Library Opportunity
The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee seeks a candidate to aid in the automation of its corporate library. JDC Archives holds several thousand books and periodicals related to 20th century Jewish history and culture worldwide. Our goal is to catalog and arrange the library materials in order to gain intellectual control and provide easier access to the materials for both internal staff and visiting researchers.
Responsibilities include:
- Copy-cataloging, classification, and processing of books
- Identifying books in need of repair and performing basic book repair
- Assisting with development of corporate library lending policies and procedures
- Qualifications:
- Prefer an upper-level undergraduate, graduate, or recently graduated student interested in a career in libraries, archives, and/or Jewish studies. The following strongly recommended: basic understanding of cataloging principals, MARC, and classification systems; subject knowledge and/or strong interest in Jewish history and literature.
Museum Exhibition Experiential Education Project
The JDC Archives is in the process of planning an exhibit marking our centennial (1914-2014), to be mounted at the New-York Historical Society (NYHS) and drawing extensively from internal text, photograph, film and artifact collections. In preparation for the exhibit, the Archives seeks an Experiential Education participant to assist with the preparation of exhibit materials, documentation and organization.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting research into archival records to identify materials for the exhibit
- Maintaining exhibit spreadsheets
- Verifying that materials for exhibit are formatted appropriately
- Preparing original materials, prints and digital files for transfer to NYHS
- Qualifications:
- Curatorial and museum planning experience or training preferred. A familiarity with Word, Excel and database procedures is recommended. Ideal candidate will have an interest in textual and pictorial history. Experience working with archival materials preferred. Concurrent coursework in Museum Studies, Curatorial Studies or Art History recommended.
