The Image Collections and Fieldwork Archives (ICFA) at Dumbarton Oaks is seeking applications for a part-time Archival Assistant and a Metadata Intern. The Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection is an institute of Harvard University located in Washington, D.C. that supports scholarship in Byzantine, Pre-Columbian, and Garden and Landscape Studies. The ICFA at Dumbarton Oaks houses one of the most important collections of Byzantine photographs and fieldwork papers in the world.
Archival Assistant (part-time)
ICFA is seeking a part-time Archival Assistant to assist ICFA staff with ongoing archival processing and preservation projects and other administrative tasks. Under the supervision of the Archives Specialist, the part-time Archival Assistant will assist with the assessment, arrangement, description, processing, and preservation of archival collections, which comprise administrative records and fieldwork papers produced or created by scholars and archaeologists. In addition to ongoing archival processing and preservation projects, the part-time Archival Assistant will also provide general support to ICFA staff. For more information and application instructions, please see the following link: http://www.doaks.org/about/
Metadata Intern (Fall 2012 semester)
ICFA is seeking a Metadata Intern for the Fall 2012 semester to assist the Metadata and Cataloging Specialist with the implementation of a new collection management system. ICFA’s holdings include both visual resources and archival collections. As a blended repository, ICFA must address the challenges of physical and intellectual control of both documents and images by implementing a new collection management system. This provides a unique opportunity for the Metadata Intern to engage with both the archival and VR communities and their practices.
Tasks:
The Metadata Intern will assist with the migration and conversion of metadata from a legacy database in preparation for import into the new system. This will involve the following tasks:
- Working within the legacy database and/or exported CSV files to clean up and prepare image metadata for import into new system
- Comparing previous cataloging practices with current standards to identify missing elements and normalize description
- May also assist with data entry and/or encoding of archival finding aids for import into new system
In so doing, the student will learn how different standards are employed in this process and in the management of archival documents and images. Relevant content and encoding standards include:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)
- General International Standard for Archival Description (ISAD-G)
- Encoded Archival Description (EAD)
- Cataloging Cultural Objects (CCO)
- VRA Core
- Simple Knowledge Organization System (SKOS)
Qualifications:
Students must be able to take the internship for course credit. The ideal candidate is pursuing a graduate degree in Library and Information Science or Archival Studies, and has the following characteristics:
Knowledge of:
- Cataloging and/or metadata in archival, library or museum setting
- Creating and/or working with XML documents
- Relational databases
Interest in:
- Archival and/or visual resource collections
- Byzantine art, architecture, or archaeology
- Information management and structured data
To apply:
Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to:
Shalimar Fojas White
Manager, Image Collections and Fieldwork Archives
Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection
1703 32nd Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
whites@doaks.org