Job Summary
The Archives Intern supports the Door County Museum and Archives in preserving and expanding public access to historical collections through digitization and cataloging efforts. This position performs technical and organizational tasks related to scanning, metadata entry, and archival material handling. The intern works under staff supervision to ensure accurate digital records, proper archival standards, and improved accessibility of historical resources for public and research use.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Digitizes archival materials including photographs, documents, and other historical records using scanning and digital imaging equipment.
- Enters, updates, and verifies catalog records within the museum’s collections management database to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Organizes and rehouses archival materials in accordance with established archival preservation standards.
- Maintains consistent file naming conventions and digital file organization to support long-term accessibility and retrieval.
- Tracks digitization progress and maintains logs of completed and pending work
- Assists with quality control of digitized materials, including image clarity, metadata accuracy, and file integrity.
- Handles fragile and historically significant materials with care to prevent damage or deterioration.
- Supports general archival and collections-related projects as assigned by supervisory staff.
- Collaborates with staff to improve workflows related to digitization and cataloging processes.
Key Competencies & Skills
- Detail Oriented: Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and digital file management.
- Organization: Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
- Technology: Basic proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office.
- Adaptability: Ability to learn and operate scanning equipment and digital imaging systems.
- Preservation: Understanding of or interest in archival practices, museum work, or historical preservation.
- Consistency: Ability to follow established procedures and maintain consistency in work output.
- Communication: Effective communication and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Required Education & Experience
- Current enrollment in or recent completion of high school or post-secondary program.
- Interest in history, archives, museum studies, library science, or a related field.
- Basic computer literacy, including file management and data entry.
Preferred Education & Experience
- Coursework or training in history, archives, museum studies, library science, or a related discipline.
- Experience working with databases or collections management systems.
- Familiarity with scanning equipment, digital imaging, or metadata entry practices.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
This position requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing computer-based tasks and digitization work. The role involves handling delicate archival materials, requiring fine motor skills and careful hand-eye coordination. Occasional lifting of light to moderate materials (up to 25 pounds) may be required. Work is performed in an indoor office and archival storage environment with controlled conditions to preserve historical materials.
Emergency Response Statement
In an effort to provide for continuity of County government and to cope with the problems of the emergency, you may be required to work during a proclaimed state of emergency, consistent with Sec. 323.14, Wis. Stats. and County emergency management plans and programs.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Door County is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
Disclaimer
The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.