Endangered Archives Intern

About Us

Living Arts Cultural Heritage (LACH) works to build community, improve lives and increase cross cultural unity through education, events and creative projects rooted in the local history of African Americans and other cultural identities in Kitsap County and Pacific Northwest.

Internship Position Overview

As an Endangered Archives Intern, you will play a critical role in the preservation and digitization of cultural and historical materials. This hands-on internship offers the opportunity to gain experience in digital archiving, database management, and metadata creation. Working with a dedicated team, you will contribute to the preservation of endangered archives, helping to safeguard cultural heritage for future generations while engaging with the community through events and workshops.

Intern Opportunity Details

Internship Wage: Minimum Wage
Maximum Hours Per Week: 30
Internship Length: 160 to 300 hours

Requirements

• Reliable transportation to Tacoma Evergreen State College.
• A strong interest in history or digital preservation, archiving processes, and handling historical or cultural materials.
• Basic computer skills and a willingness to learn new software and technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• No prior experience or specific skills required—comprehensive training will be provided.

Tools/Equipment/Supplies Required

• Laptops, scanners, and headsets provided on-site.

Skills the Intern May Learn

• Cultural and Historical Awareness: Appreciation for endangered African American and Indigenous archives and understanding digital archiving’s role in cultural heritage preservation.
• Digital Scanning Techniques: Operating scanners, preparing materials, and understanding resolution/formats.
• Metadata Creation and Tagging: Crafting descriptive metadata, applying tagging systems, and ensuring searchability.
• Database Management: Uploading, organizing files, and using content management systems.
• Digital Preservation Practices: Strategies for long-term file preservation and data integrity.
• Quality Control and Assurance: Reviewing scanned materials and correcting inconsistencies.
• Data Security and Privacy: Handling sensitive data and adhering to protection regulations.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Maintaining equipment and resolving technical issues.
• Project Management and Collaboration: Task organization, teamwork, and communication.
• Documentation and Reporting: Record-keeping, process documentation, and progress reporting.
• Community Engagement: Hosting exhibits and workshops, organizing community events, and creating marketing materials.