Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Getting Experience - Tip #1 - volunteer

I'm not sure when tip #2 will be posted.  But I have a feeling there are more to come.  This post was prompted by a request that came to me for someone to help create an exhibit of historical artifacts for a private school.  The dates are loosely listed as March/April of this year, and there is no $ for the volunteer(s).  It's too late to register for an internship, at least in SLIS.  And I don't know if anyone would want to pay $474 for one credit to complete this task as an independent study (unless you desperately need 1 credit). The project would probably not entail more than 45  hours (hence the 1 credit equivalence).  The position is in San Jose, but since we are a virtual school, not many students actually live in San Jose.  So far I'm sure I haven't sold anyone on this opportunity.  But... think on the bright side.

If you are interested in archives and special collections, how many opportunities might come your way to work with a history and a theater department, as well as team up with a private collector, to create an exhibit of historical artifacts?  In addition to the experience itself, you would be building your professional network, identifying potential references, gathering experience for your resume, and contributing to the community.

If you are a San Jose student and want to know more, contact me at patricia.franks@sjsu.edu. I will send you the contact information you need to investigate this opportunity further.




Wednesday, January 25, 2012

National Archives Transcription Project

Sorry for the long break between posts.  I've been busy working on a book that I hope you'll be hearing about before the end of the year.  For now, though, the Spring term has begun (just today) and since I'm requesting my students 'blog,' so must I.

One item you might find interesting is a Transcription Project of the National Archives that encourages citizens to transcribe documents from the 18th through the 20th centuries.Documents are described as being suitable for beginners,  intermediate, and advanced transcriptionists.  Some documents have been transcribed, and others are awaiting a volunteer to take them on.

Read all about the project and even become involved by visiting http://blogs.archives.gov/online-public-access/?p=7171/