Collections Data & Information Intern - Summer 2021

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.

Please make sure that if selected for an interview, you communicate to your prospective host organization/employer where you will be physically located during the internship as your location may affect your (or your host organization/employer’s) ability to pursue this opportunity.                                                                                  

If you are an international student, please make sure to visit the OIA website to familiarize yourself with your work authorization eligibility and requirements as soon as possible. If you’d like to make an appointment with your international adviser, please visit this page.

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 (not eligible for students graduating June 2021). 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 be full-time for Summer 2021; undergraduate intern should anticipate giving approximately 30-40 hours/week of time to this opportunity for 10 weeks; given the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is anticipated that the associate’s work may be done remotely (if 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).

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.

Applications will be submitted via Handshake;

Application Deadline: February 28, 2021 by 11:59pm

Anticipated Start Date: June 21, 2021

Funding: Up to $4,000 for Summer 2021