SCUA is delighted to offer a paid internship beginning in Fall Term 2024. Update! Application deadline has been extended to Monday, June 3, 2024. Submissions must be entered by 11:59 p.m. PDT.

Internship Summary 

The Thomas Intern for Digital Archives and Forensics will be involved with the full lifecycle of archival accessioning and processing, with a focus on migration, appraisal, and preservation of digital records that have enduring historical, institutional, or cultural value. 

Under the direction of Technical Services staff in Special Collections and University Archives, the Intern will receive training and experience in performing a range of archival work related to digital archives including data capture, integrity and fixity, inventory control, metadata standards, description, preservation, and provisioning for access. In addition to learning about the unique challenges of digital archives, the Intern will learn and utilize fundamental archival principles of appraisal, provenance and original order, authenticity, preservation and reliability, and legal issues related to copyright, privacy and access. The project will primarily include working with digital records, but the Intern may also perform some description and arrangement of analog archival materials, when closely related. 

The Intern will have a hands-on opportunity to learn and use digital forensics hardware and software (such as a FRED forensics workstation, Exterro FTK Forensic Toolkit, and BitCurator) to support data recovery and analysis of born-digital archival records, particularly material that is stored on portable data storage media that is vulnerable to digital decay and obsolescence.  

The Intern will receive training to support ongoing archival accessioning of digital records for new acquisitions and existing collections and regular duties will include:  

• Working with sensitive physical data storage carriers to migrate born-digital records; 
• Generating disk images; 
• Analyzing born-digital records for sensitive/confidential information, malicious content, and non-sustainable file formats; 
• Performing integrity checks and migrating bit-for-bit copies of born-digital records to the institution’s preservation storage (Preservica); 
• Creating and maintaining accurate inventory and storage information in the institution’s archival collection management database (ArchivesSpace); and, 
• Describing and arranging born-digital records for access and use by internal staff and the public. 

The Intern will be encouraged to present outcomes of their work to library faculty and staff, as well as in a publication or at a regional conference of archival professionals, which would be supported by a stipend if travel is required. 

Note, this internship is focused on the stewardship and long-term preservation of historical born-digital records in an archival repository, it will not address the related fields of e-discovery or cyber security. 

Required Qualifications 

• Current enrollment in an accredited educational institution for the duration of the internship 
• Completed or enrolled in at least one credit-bearing course in archival theory or digital archives; or, completed or enrolled in at least one credit-bearing course in a topic related to data preservation, digital libraries, or computer forensics 

Professional Competencies

• Committed to the care of historical materials and cultural heritage 
• Knowledge of or a willingness to learn about physical media used to store data, including formats no longer in widespread use (e.g., floppy disks, etc.) 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and in groups 
• Ability to progress toward established goals in an environment with many competing priorities and projects 
• Strong computer skills and a willingness to learn new applications and programs  
• Strong attention to detail 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Current resident of Oregon 
• Current enrollment in an ALA-accredited graduate program for Library and Information Science or Archival Studies 
• Specific degree emphasis on archives management or strong interest in the archival profession 
• Specific degree emphasis or strong interest in digital archives, digital preservation, and/or digital forensics 

Physical Requirements* 

• Frequently twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasps lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, and sort/file paperwork or parts, reach/work above shoulders, and lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds 
• Ability to lift 40-pound boxes and to push and maneuver fully loaded book trucks (push force up to 50 pounds) 
• Ability to work in temperature and humidity-controlled environments, with some exposure to dust 

Hours and Salary Range 

This internship is a paid, part-time, limited duration position with an average of 16 working hours per week. Pay is $17.25 hourly, with sick time. This position is not benefits eligible. 

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted via Handshake or directly to agoff@uoregon.edu. Please submit the following with your online application: 

• A cover letter addressing:
  • Your applicable qualifications and competencies
  • Statement of interest in the field of digital archives or digital forensics
• A resume or CV 
• A letter of recommendation from someone familiar with your academic and/or professional experience or interest in archives, libraries, museums, or data preservation 
• Name and contact information for (1) other professional reference 

Department Summary 

The University of Oregon Libraries, as the largest research library in the state, seeks to support and stimulate undergraduate instruction, graduate instruction, graduate and faculty research and service on the University of Oregon campus, as well as respond to the needs of scholars by providing access to information and information services.

Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) is the primary repository for the university’s archives, rare books, historic photographs, and one of the largest historical manuscript collections in the Pacific Northwest. It is the largest repository in the state that provides extensive public access to its collections and is thus a critically important source of Oregon and Pacific Northwest materials to be used for research and instruction. 

*The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.