Collections Data & Information Intern

This internship is part of the University’s Jeff Metcalf Internship Program. Please review the Metcalf Interns’ Responsibility Notice to learn more about program requirements for Metcalf interns.

This position works with the Assistant Registrar to assist in all aspects of database and collection documentation, working directly with the electronic and paper systems that catalog, document, and report on both the permanent collection and loans to the Smart Museum. The Collections Data & Information Intern will learn how museum staff use digital resources to archive and provide access to information about the collection and will develop skills in collections management and documentation. This position is currently planned as 100% remote, although there may be an opportunity for on-site work, if at a later date it has been deemed safe to resume regular on-site work.

·      Complete cataloging, data entry, and review of museum records in the museum’s collection database, The Museum System (TMS).

·      Edit, name, and organize digital files using TMS and/or Media Studio, the museum’s digital asset management system.

·      Improve the searchability of the museum’s digital records by linking image files and other digital media with object and exhibition records.

·      Position may also assist with performing collection photography if working on-site and/or post-processing of images.

·      Other duties as they arise.

Applicant must be a University of Chicago undergraduate student. Must be reliable, self-directed, attentive to detail, and highly organized. Must possess the ability to see projects through to completion. Must be able to work well with others and independently, and be able to maintain rigorous standards of security. Knowledge of art and varying artistic media, previous experience with database management, and/or image processing is highly desirable.

This opportunity will begin in Fall 2020 with the potential for a continuation during Winter and Spring 2021; undergraduate intern should anticipate giving approximately 10 hours/week of time to this opportunity; given the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is anticipated that most of the intern’s work will be done remotely (if things change and in-person/on-site work is required during the intern’s tenure, this will be discussed and worked out with the student based on their location, availability, and comfort with such work); there is a possibility of this position continuing for Summer 2021 as a full-time internship, but this is not guaranteed.

This internship is made possible by generous funding from the College at the University of Chicago, specifically through the Careers in Journalism and Creative Writing/Arts, Culture, and Entertainment (CIJCW/ACE) Program. As an integral component of this internship, the selected student will be required to work with the Smart Museum’s Academic Engagement Coordinator and the CIJCW/ACE Program Director to plan, present, and moderate a 45 minute Zoom program, open to current and prospective UChicago students, to discuss their work with their supervisor/mentor and how it relates to career options in the Humanities. This will take place at a time discussed with and agreed upon by the student and their supervisor/mentor at the Smart Museum.

Submit all applications in Handshake

Application Deadline: October 25, 2020 by 11:59pm

Anticipated Start Date: November 2, 2020