American Textile History Museum Trade Catalog Organization, Description, and Access Internship

Simmons Graduate Internship Program

In 2017 the Archives and Library of The Henry Ford acquired many items from the American Textile History Museum (ATHM), including an expansive trade catalog collection. Consisting of approximately ten thousand different catalogs, the ATHM collection remains uncatalogued within The Henry Ford’s library system and requires extensive reorganization to meet the same standards of The Henry Ford’s extensive trade catalog collection. 

The Archives and Library seeks a graduate intern to assist in the organization and cataloging of the American Textile History Museum trade catalog collection to alleviate significant barriers to access. 

Working with library staff, the interns duties will include:

  • Ordering ATHM catalogs to fit the standards of The Henry Ford
  • Cataloging (copy and original) the collection 
  • Consolidating and rehousing trade catalogs 

In addition, at the completion of the internship, with assistance and input from appropriate staff, the student will present a synopsis of the project to an audience of The Henry Ford staff. 
Skills and abilities required:

  • Interest in gaining experience with cataloging in special collections
  • Understanding of MARC and RDA
  • Strong writing and communication skills, and attention to detail

Additional desirable credentials:

  • Experience handling rare books and archival material
  • Experience with ALMA and Connexion 

Successful completion of the internship will give the student experience with cataloging best practices; experience with OCLC’s Connexion client and Ex Libris Library Management Systems; and experience working in the multi-disciplinary environment of a museum archive and library.

The deadline for application is Friday, March 8, 2019 (postmarked or emailed by 11:59 PM EST). 

Please submit inquiries, letter(s) of application, résumé or CV and letters of recommendation to HistoryInternship@TheHenryFord.org or Saige Jedele, Associate Curator and Simmons Internship Coordinator, The Henry Ford (20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, MI 48124-5029).

Program information and complete application requirements available at thf.org/about/grants.aspx.