Comments from former CLIS Interns
If you would like to add a comment to the following list, please contact the SAM Secretary.
Folger Shakespeare Library
Working at the Folger Shakespeare Library was a great experience for anyone interested in British history and archives. I also really enjoyed learning about EADs and working on an online finding aid that was posted online. A great practicum site that I highly recommend.--A.S. 2004
Maryland Historical Society
The Maryland Historical Society was fabulous--the special collections librarian provided an excellent introduction to
all that she does there, to tasks, clientele, and the life-cycle of archival materials. I processed a small collection from start to finish (aside from actual pickup), and really learned a lot. Totally recommend it.--J.T.E. 2005
National Agricultural Library
I worked at NAL Special Collections and was able to work on a former Secretary of Agriculture's library collection. I got to process, inventory, arrange, and describe the collection! I also worked closely with the archivist there, and she was very helpful and available for questions.--H.H. 2004
National Geographic Society, Archives
National Geographic Society
Archives offers excellent exposure to the
archival basics of processing and
description. The collections are historically
fascinating and vary widely in format. Fun
staff! Great experience!--L.H. 2004
NARA Electronic Records Archives
The NARA Electronic Records Archives offers a unique opportunity to gain experience working with electronic records and to apply electronic record theory. Projects may be more appropriate for a field study length commitment, rather
than a 50 hour practicum.--J.J. 2004
NASA Headquarters History Office
Excellent place for anyone interested in the history of
technology, science, or space. The office was staffed by three
archivists, three historians, a program coordinator, and a
rotating handful of interns. The office handles all aspects of
preservation and dissemination of NACA/NASA history. The
archival records are at NARA. However, they have some
interesting manuscript collections to be process, and it is
a phenomenal reference collection to work with and help
organize. These are great people to work with too!--R.B.J. 2004
Niels Bohr Library, American Institute for Physics
The Neils Bohr Library (Archives of the American Institute for Physics) had an incredible collection of papers on a wide variety of topics. The exposure to real archival work was invaluable, and the staff members were all excellent teachers when I was at a loss for where to start! What was unique about AIP was that it had both "corporate/business" and "historic interest" material in the same place. --K.F. 2004
Smithsonian Institution, Institution Archives
The Smithsonian Institution
Archives is an excellent venue
for a field study with knowledgeable and
helpful staff, and interesting collections.
A good location to hone archival skills.
Highly recommended.--J.J. 2004
The staff are very nice and professional, and I gained a lot of experience at preservation of materials.--A.J.S. 2002
Smithsonian Institution, National Anthropological Archives
The Smithsonian Institution
National Anthropological Archives
is an excellent choice for a practicum or
archival internship experience.
Recommended for those interested in
processing personal papers and records
related to world cultures and the history of
anthropology.--L.M. 2004
Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American History, Archives Center
I interned with Wendy Shay, the audiovisual archivist at Archives Center, National Museum of American History. Wendy's a longstanding member of AMIA and one of the few people who's willing to teach interns hands-on skills. I learned how to identify, inspect, clean, repair, and prepare film for labwork, and how to work with reel-to-reel audiotape.--M.M. 2004
The Archives Center is great for
both the "newbie" and the experience to hone their archival
skills. The staff members are knowledgeable
and are a great resource for both archival theory and practices.
I recommend the Archives Center for an
internship or field study because it is definitely can be a great
learning experience.--K.R. 2004
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
The Holocaust Memorial Museum is
great place for a field study, with a
diversity of collections and materials to
work with and great people.
Collections vary in size, so be sure to
discuss your commitment
intentions upfront so you can be matched with
an appropriate project.--B.S. 2004
University of Maryland, Library of American Broadcasting
The Library of American
Broadcasting is wonderful place to do an
internship, especially if you are interested
in radio and television
development. The staff is knowledgeable and
friendly. It is an excellent
resource right on campus for both
information and experience.--M.M. 2004
University of Maryland, University Archives
I helped process the papers of a
local political activist. The practicum
was a great chance for me get behind the
scenes at Hornbake and apply the course
readings to a real accession.--K.F. 2004
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