University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Special Collections
Location Description
The Special Collections Graduate Practicum program offers students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga unpaid opportunities to enhance their graduate studies archival administration and records management.
Special Collections stresses a standards-based approach to digitization and description, and uses archival and digital asset management systems commonly adopted by galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAMs) in the United States. Students who successfully complete practica in Special Collections gain important transferable skills and exposure to professional software applications.
Practicum Work Mode
On site
Semesters or Time Period Available
Ongoing, not limited to a specific semester
Location
600 Douglas Street
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37411
https://www.utc.edu/library/special-collections/about/practica
Contact
Carolyn Runyon
Director of Special Collections
archives@utc.edu
423-425-4503
Student Tasks
Practica responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:
arranging and describing archival collections;
authoring biographical and historical notes that provide context for archival materials;
creating finding aids in compliance with Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) and local practices using ArchivesSpace;
transcribing audio and video assets;
using scanners and cameras to digitize archival materials and rare books;
creating descriptive metadata and developing digital collections using CONTENTdm;
applying controlled vocabularies, including LCSH, LCNAF, AAT, and RightsStatements.org, to describe digital objects;
and assisting researchers by working shifts on the Special Collections reference desk.
Type of Mentoring Provided to the Student
We create effective internships by collaborating with students to create clearly defined goals, offering feedback on projects and performance in weekly meetings, and providing opportunities for students to reflect on their experiences.
Student Interaction With Others at the Location
Practica students in Special Collections typically work closely with one of the faculty archivists in Special Collections and the Director of Special Collections. They work in an open space with other interns and student assistants completing assignments in Special Collections.