Application: Open Doors Digital Collections Intern

Organization name: Organization for Transformative Works

Committee: Open Doors Committee

Reports to: Open Doors Chair

Time Requirements: 10-15 hours/week

Term: 8-12 weeks

Role overview: The primary project of the Digital Collections internship is to scope and gather requirements for a digital asset management system for Open Doors’ dark archive and preservation archive. The intern will research and document ~90 systems from a list of content management tools, then provide a summary report of pros/cons/recommendations for the top contenders. They will also learn and practice various library and information science-adjacent tasks alongside our pool of import assistants. There may be additional projects available, such as investigating options for automating metadata cleanup.

Key Responsibilities:

Dark Archive & Preservation Archive Project

  • Scope and gather requirements for a digital asset management system for Open Doors’ dark archive and preservation archive
  • Research and document ~90 systems from a list of content management tools
  • Provide a summary report of pros/cons/recommendations for the top contenders

Library & Information Science Tasks

  • Compile and correct creators/works tracking spreadsheets that list each work contained in an archive waiting to be imported by the Open Doors Committee
  • Search AO3 for existing works from an incoming archive and note their status in a Google spreadsheet
  • Proofread works from transcribed fanzines to be imported through the AO3 Fanzine Scan Hosting Project
  • Post works from an archive backup or transcribed fanzine to AO3 as part of an Open Doors manual import and note their status in a Google spreadsheet

Miscellaneous

  • Complete additional projects as assigned
  • Communicate proactively with chair(s), chair assistants, and mentors about progress on tasks
  • As schedule permits, participate in regular working meetings/parties to further projects and activities of the committee
  • Contribute to a cohesive spirit within the team

Experience:

  • At least 18 years old and legally of age to open explicit fanworks in your local jurisdiction
  • Academic and/or professional experience working with digital collections is required
  • Academic and/or professional experience with library and information science, digital humanities, or a related field is required
  • Able to reliably access AO3 with a computer or laptop
  • Experience using the Archive of Our Own is required
  • Ability to use Google Workspace (G Suite) apps is required
  • Prior knowledge or experience with fannish archives, fanzines, or other fannish material welcomed but not required

Skills and attributes:

  • Strong written communication skills in English are essential
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to take initiative in carrying out the committee’s work
  • Ability to work independently toward a common goal within a team
  • Ability to give and receive feedback, support, and mentorship
  • Ability to adapt to new software and procedures quickly

Training requirements:

The Digital Collections Intern will be trained according to the Open Doors Committee Digital Collections Intern Training Plan. Training should be completed within 1-2 weeks of starting the role.