The American Museum of Natural History is implementing its new CLIR funded
Hidden Collections project for the Library and Science Department archives.
Beginning in September 2013, interns are needed
to develop finding aids in EAD and authority records in EAC for collections
identified in a recent inventory/survey project. Interns will work in teams supervised
by two Project Archivists with oversight by the AMNH Museum Archivist.
Background
Scientific
expeditions and field work are the foundation for resource gathering by natural
science museums worldwide; artifacts and specimens collected by AMNH
researchers in the field form the core of American Museum of Natural History's
scientific research collections. The Lumholtz Expeditions to Mexico, 1890-98;
the Jesup North Pacific Expedition, 1897-1902; the Vernay Hopwood Chindwin
Expedition to Burma, 1934-35; the Whitney South Sea Expedition, 1921-37; the
Archbold New Guinea, 1933-64; and the Central Asiatic Expeditions, 1921-30, are
a few of the most prominent. Scientists, artists, photographers, and field
assistants give valuable context to the objects in the scientific
collections in their observations about the biology, cultural traditions and
ecological conditions of the specimens and artifacts. Their notes and sketches,
diaries, journals, specimen books, photographs, recorded sound, and moving
images, are held in each of the AMNH departmental archives. Describing these
archival records will enrich the experiences of all who use the AMNH object
collections for research in the disciplines of systematic biology, ecology,
cultural anthropology, and the history of science, as well as those who prepare
exhibitions and educational programs for the millions of visitors to the Museum
and its websites.
Requirements include knowledge and aptitude
for organizing archival materials, including a familiarity with MARC, DACS and
EAD. We require that our interns have an ability to think analytically, take
initiative and be mindful of details. Interns must be dependable and committed
to the completion of their part of the project; have good communication skills
and the ability to work with others including the scientific staff. A strong interest
in natural science is required, with knowledge of the subject matter helpful. This
is a learning experience but students with previous finding aid experience are
also encouraged to apply.
Send resume and cover to rmorgan@amnh.org. Cover letter should
include availability, specifically the days, hours, and number of hours a week
available.
For more information about the AMNH Archive
Project please see http://images.library.amnh.org/hiddencollections/
