Description
The Preservation Directorate hosts volunteers with relevant preservation experience on an ongoing basis. Selected volunteers work in the preservation division most appropriate to their experience:
- Conservation Division -- Experience in a special collections conservation lab doing collections rehousing; collections stabilization; custom boxmaking; special collections conservation treatment; environmental monitoring; collections emergency response. As well as general collection experience with the LC Classification system; bookbinding; paper mending; rebacking; library binding; collections emergency response. Please note: Pre-program volunteer applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from a conservator. The Conservation Division is unable to accept volunteers at this time.
- Preservation Reformatting Division -- Experience with metadata; analog to digital conversion; digital to digital conversion; web design
- Preservation Research and Testing Division -- Background and/or lab experience in chemistry or physical sciences; information technology; data management
Application Instructions and Process
Volunteers can be on a part-time or full-time schedule, but a minimum of 240 hours over 6 weeks to 6 months is generally required. Volunteers can start at any time of the year.
Application Materials
A complete application (only complete applications will be reviewed) consists of:
- Preservation Application Form [PDF: 174 KB / 4 pp.]
- Formal letter of interest (letter should indicate preferred division of interest)
- Résumé
- Two letters of recommendation (Conservation pre-program applicants must submit one letter from a conservator)
Please follow the instructions at the top of the application form and submit all materials by email. Email subject line should read: "Preservation Volunteer Program in [insert division of interest]." If desired, letters writers may email letters directly; letter writers must include the name of the applicant in the subject line.
Qualified applicants will be scheduled for a phone interview.
Application Schedule
Applications are accepted at any time.
Stipend
None.
Send your application to the relevant Division/Program contact:
Preservation Services Division
Adrija Henley, Chief
[email protected]
Conservation Division
Amy Hughes, Paper Conservation Section Head
[email protected]
Preservation Research and Testing Division
Fenella France, Chief
[email protected]
