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Undergraduate Archival Processing Intern

Minnesota Historical Society
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TITLE: Undergraduate Archival Processing Intern

 

LOCATION: History Center - 345 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102

 

COMPENSATION:  Typical starting salary $16.50 hourly

 

HOURS: This is a part-time, temporary position from approximately September 14, 2026 to December 20, 2026. A part-time intern must be available to work 15 hours per week. This position offers a flexible work schedule, coordinated with the intern’s school schedule and operational needs. Preferred working hours are 5 hour shifts scheduled between 9-5.

 

POSTING DATE:    June 26, 2026

DEADLINE DATE:  July 14, 2026

 

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE:  PDF copy of unofficial transcript

 

DESCRIPTION:  This intern will assist the ingestion of paper-based, PDF and Word legacy finding aids into the ASpace database.  These interns may also assist the ASpace Migration Team with QC checking finding aids on an as-needed basis.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Introduction to Data Entry & Description (50%)

  1. ArchivesSpace Data Input: Learn to use the ArchivesSpace interface to type up and organize collection inventories (box and folder lists).
  2. Finding Aid Creation: Under supervision, assist in drafting basic descriptions and historical summaries for specific archival folders or small collections.
  3. Data Cleanup: Help update older, typed paper inventories or spreadsheet data and move them into the modern ArchivesSpace system.

Collection Handling & Preservation (40%)

  1. Assist with the physical processing of collections, which includes sorting historical materials chronologically or topically.
  2. Re-house old, fragile materials into acid-free folders and specialized archival boxes to ensure their long-term survival.
  3. Identify and remove damaging physical fasteners such as rusted paperclips, staples, and degrading rubber bands.

Mentorship & Professional Development (10%)

  1. Shadow archive staff to learn about different aspects of the profession (e.g., digitization, reference services, and public exhibits).
  2. Complete a short, final reflection or presentation about the collection worked on during the semester.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student, or have graduated within the past 12 months at the time of application.
  • Ideal candidates might be currently pursuing, or a graduate with a degree in the following areas: History, English, Art History, Anthropology, Computer Science, or Digital Humanities are highly encouraged to apply, though all majors are welcome.   
  • Prior archival or library experience is not required; comprehensive, step-by-step training will be provided.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy when typing and entering data.
  • Curiosity about history and a desire to learn about cultural preservation.
  • Comfortable working on a computer and learning new software interfaces.
  • Ability to follow detailed, written instructions and ask questions when clarification is needed

 

KNOWLEDGE INTERN IS EXPECTED TO GAIN:

  • Introduction to Archival Software: Basic proficiency in navigating ArchivesSpace to enter metadata, build collection inventories, and publish finding aids online.
  • Primary Source Literacy: An understanding of how historical documents, photographs, and artifacts are evaluated, handled, and organized for research.
  • Basic Metadata Standards: A foundational understanding of how information is structured and standardized in a digital library setting to make materials easy to find.
  • Career Exploration: Insight into professional careers within libraries, archives, museums, and digital humanities.

 

SEMINAR EVENTS: Interns are require to participate in three, in-person seminars focused on professional development, learning how cultural organizations operate, and building a network of industry professionals. At the end of the semester, interns complete a final presentation to share their work.

Please ensure you are available for these dates when applying:

  • Thursday, September 24 from 11:30am-1:00pm
  • Thursday, October 15 
  • Thursday, November 12 from 2:00pm-4:00pm
  • Final Presentations: Thursday, December 17 from 11:00am-1:00pm

 

TO APPLY: Interested applications must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a cover letter, resume, and any required additional materials by the application deadline date.