The mission of the CSUN University Library is to provide diverse educational resources and programming in support of student success, faculty scholarship, and the research needs of the greater community.
The University Library Special Collections and Archives area features rare books and periodicals, manuscripts, and archival collections. The majority of these collections focus on Los Angeles history, with an emphasis on the San Fernando Valley. They also include digital reproductions of a wide variety of documents including topics such as the Civil War; slavery and its aftermath; Chinese antiquities and World War II. Additional project contributors include local heritage organizations, neighboring academic institutions, and private collectors.
Preservation of visual materials at the University Library is a huge task: there are currently hundreds of thousands of items awaiting preservation and digitization.
Developing Preservation Skills
Preserving visual materials for future generations safeguards our history and culture — who we are, where we came from, and where we’re going. The interns who perform this important work at CSUN gain valuable high-level, hands-on experience with archival processing and digitization that cannot be found as easily at other institutions. They also work on collections that match their professional goals. Interns receive in-depth training within the areas of archival processing, preservation, and resource description. Work goals are set to meet the students’ own interests, as well as Special Collections needs. Interns have used the skills they acquired at CSUN to move on to positions at universities, as well as public and private institutions.
Preservation Internships Available
The Archives Processing/Digital Collections Internship at the University Library funds two 100 or 150-hour interns per academic year in either of two areas: Archives Processing or Digital Collections.
Visual Resources Internship – Archival Processing (Fall)
- Type of internship: Library & Information Science (Archives)
- Compensation: Stipend
- Type of work: Processing and/or conservation
- Location: CSUN University Library, Special Collections & Archives
- Semester/Quarter: FALL
- Internship Contact/Supervisor: Ellen Jarosz – Head of Special Collections and Archives
- Type of work: Archival processing and basic preservation
- Location: CSUN University Library Special Collections and Archives
Tasks
Working under the direction of the Head of Special Collections and Archives, the intern will apply archival theories of arrangement and description while fully processing an archival collection chosen by the intern over the course of one quarter. Tasks will include creation and execution of a processing plan, physical arrangement, basic preservation and rehousing, and the creation of a DACS-compliant EAD finding aid using the Archivesspace software.
Qualifications/Experience:
Qualified applicants must be actively enrolled in an accredited Library and Information Science program; ability to work independently and in consultation with other staff; strong oral and written communication skills; research skills; coursework in archival administration, history, or information science. Experience in archival work not required.
Interested applicants should send CV/resume and inquire about an interview by contacting ellen.jarosz@csun.edu.
Visual Resources Internship -Digital Collections (Spring)
- Type of internship: Library & Information Science (Archives)
- Compensation: Stipend
- Type of work: Digitization, Digital Processing and Cataloging
- Location: CSUN University Collections Access and Management Services
- Semester/Quarter: Spring
- Contact/Supervisor: Steve Kutay – Digital Services Librarian
Tasks
Working under the direction of the Digital Services Librarian, Intern will assist with digitization projects. Intern will: 1) scan images, 2) edit and save digital images, and 3) enter metadata into selected fields using the CONTENTdm (or other) digital asset management system. As appropriate to each project, the intern will evaluate analog photographs to determine which to digitize, convert preservation files to JPEG, produce and upload digital surrogates of analog photographs. Intern will use best practices and standards in the application of preservation scanning and description. These include the Federal Agencies Digitization Guidelines Initiative (FADGI) and the Dublin Core or VRA Core schemes for description.
Qualifications/Experience
Qualified applicants must be actively enrolled in an accredited Library and Information Science program. Applicant should have at least a beginning level of experience using a scanner and scanner software as well as creating/editing images using Adobe Photoshop. Knowledge of Dublin Core metadata or VRA Core elements is preferred. Knowledge of CONTENTdm or other DAMS a plus, but will receive training. Applicant should be able to perform basic research to supply descriptive context to the materials cataloged.
Interested applicants should send CV/resume and inquire about an interview by contacting stephen.kutay@csun.edu.
Previous Interns:
Prach Prasertwit, 2023
MLIS, Archival Studies, University of California, Los Angeles
“My experience as an intern was both enriching and transformative. The guidance and hands-on experience I received were instrumental in developing my skills and understanding of archival studies. The opportunity to work with the Bradley Center photographs not only deepened my appreciation for the importance of preserving historical records, but also equipped me with practical knowledge that has proven invaluable in my subsequent endeavors.”
Alexandra Solodkaya, 2019
MLIS, Rare Books/Print and Visual Culture, University of California, Los Angeles
“CSUN Library’s Visual Resources Internship helped me gain experience in an area of librarianship that I was less familiar with. It provided an invaluable opportunity to attain new skills and make career contacts. I recommend the internship to any MLIS students interested in academic and visual resource librarianship.”
Sharif Dumani, 2018
MLIS, Archival Studies, University of California, Los Angeles
“I wish it lasted longer. Fantastic internship.”
Sarah Jones, 2017
MLIS, Archival Studies, University of California, Los Angeles
“This internship was a wonderful opportunity that provided me with valuable technical skills and professional experience that helped me begin my career in librarianship.”
About the Preservation of Visual Imagery Fund
Started by photographer Larry Kushner, San Fernando Valley State College (now CSUN) alumnus, this fund recognizes the need for preservation and management of collections of visual imagery artworks and visual communication materials constructed of various types of media. In order to accomplish the above goals, there must be individuals available with the necessary professional level education, training and experience to provide services for preserving and managing these collections.