In 2021, The Henry Ford acquired the papers of Lillian Schwartz, a sprawling archival collection that includes paper-based records, 2D artworks, moving image and audio materials, and electronic records, in addition to numerous books and 3D artworks placed in the holdings of the Library and Museum. 

The custodial history of the archival collection has resulted in the lack of a coherent and unifying inventory, making immediate access difficult. In addition, the lack of a suitable inventory presents a roadblock to further and more in-depth processing of the materials. The Archives and Library seeks a Simmons Intern to assist in furthering the assessment, inventorying and processing of this collection in order to improve its serviceability and findability for our internal and external researchers. 

Duties and responsibilities: Working with the Archives Team onsite at the Benson Ford Research Center, duties of the intern will include

• Finishing partially complete box-level inventory for main portion of collection.
• Conducting shelf inventory for A/V portion of collection.
• Conducting drive-level inventory of electronic records found in the collection.
• Conducting folder-level inventory of artworks stored in flat file units.
• Creation of summary collection inventory that can be utilized by researchers.
• Create a capstone presentation of completed work.

Required Qualifications:

• Interest in gaining experience with description and access of archival collections.
• Understanding of archival description standards and practices including Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS).
• Strong writing and communication skills, and attention to detail.
• Current enrollment in a graduate level program.

Desired Qualifications:

• Interest or education in computer-mediated and new media art.  
• Prior archival arrangement and description experience.
• Experience using an archival or museum collections management system.