Graduate Practica

The Special Collections Graduate Practicum program offers students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga unpaid opportunities to enhance their graduate studies archival administration and records management.

Special Collections stresses a standards-based approach to digitization and description, and uses archival and digital asset management systems commonly adopted by galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAMs) in the United States. Students who successfully complete practica in Special Collections gain important transferable skills and exposure to professional software applications.

Eligibility

Practica students must be students enrolled in a library or information science graduate program.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

Practica responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • arranging and describing archival collections;
  • authoring biographical and historical notes that provide context for archival materials;
  • creating finding aids in compliance with Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) and local practices using ArchivesSpace;
  • transcribing audio and video assets;
  • using scanners and cameras to digitize archival materials and rare books;
  • creating descriptive metadata and developing digital collections using CONTENTdm;
  • applying controlled vocabularies, including LCSH, LCNAF, AAT, and RightsStatements.org, to describe digital objects;
  • and assisting researchers by working shifts on the Special Collections reference desk.

Practica qualifications include the following:

  • ability to learn about Special Collections discovery tools and resources through training and self-paced learning;
  • ability to work independently and produce high quality, thorough, and accurate work;
  • ability to follow detailed written instructions;
  • strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills as well as demonstrated initiative and adaptability;
  • working knowledge of office productivity suites, such as Microsoft Office and Google Drive;
  • and effective written and oral communication skills.

Intern Perspectives

Read about past projects and experiences in our Intern Perspectives series on the Library’s blog.

Application

Special Collections accepts applications on a rolling basis. To apply, candidates must submit an application, including a cover letter and résumé or CV. Cover letters and résumés must be uploaded to the application form as PDFs.

Practicum students must receive course credit from their graduate program and be able to contribute a minimum of 150 hours to Special Collections.

Questions about practica or the application process may be addressed to Special Collections at [email protected] .

Library

Library