Digital Archives Assistant

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and located in Elk Horn, Iowa, the Museum of Danish America is the only national institution that tells the story of Danish immigration to the United States and the influence of Denmark on American culture today. The Museum’s broad collections are almost entirely inventoried, cataloged, and digitized, and are available online. Much of this work has been accomplished by interns. MoDA’s intern program includes both Danes and Americans, providing a unique international experience.

Project Description:

The primary task for this internship will be to digitize a portion of the Museum’s Danish Sisterhood of America Collection. The focus will be approximately 300 secretary ledgers from the organization that date between 1883 and the present as well as 75 years of the organization’s newsletter. Once the material is scanned, the intern will provide metadata along with the scans to be added to our online newspaper library. Training will be provided for the overhead scanner, as well as metadata standards, though the ideal candidate will already have some digital library experience. This position will provide wonderful hands-on experience for an MLIS student or recent graduate. All interns are also involved in Collections Review Committee and Exhibitions Committee meetings, outreach activities (on and off-site), and in behind-the-scenes tours to other museums for professional development and networking opportunities. Both American and Danish students participate in the Museum’s internship program and enjoy free shared housing in Elk Horn.

Position Details and Benefits:
Duration/Hours: Six months, 40 hours per week
Pay: $1,200 monthly stipend
Benefits: Rent-free, fully furnished house, which includes all utilities and internet
Start Date: January 2, 2024 (can be flexible)

Position Requirements:
Master's degree or intended graduation from a Library and Information Science or Archives program, though undergraduates and candidates with a degree in History or a related field may be considered; excellent writing skills; strong attention to detail; ability to handle large workloads and meet deadlines; ability to perform the physical requirements of the position including standing for long periods of time and lifting heavy objects; and ability to work well alone and in a group. Optional, but highly preferred: knowledge of or experience with digitization and metadata standards, archives arrangement and description, cataloging in PastPerfect Museum Software

Application Deadline: Must be received by midnight November 17, 2023.

Application Details: Send letter of interest and resume via email to Cheyenne Jansdatter, MLIS Archives Manager & Outreach Associate: cjansdatter@danishmuseum.org. Questions are welcome.

Equal-Opportunity Employment: The Museum of Danish America is committed to creating a diverse environment and is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.