The Mary and Samuel Somit Preservation Internship
The University of Chicago Library
The University of Chicago Library is accepting applications for the 2013 Mary and Samuel Somit
Preservation Internship. This Internship, established in 2006, has been made possible through the generosity
of Dr. Albert Somit (AB '41, PhD '47), University of Chicago alumnus and past president of Southern
Illinois University. Dr. Somit has established the Internship to honor his parents’ legacy, serve the needs of
the Library’s collection, and prepare individuals for important work to preserve and protect library materials
and other scholarly works so that they are available for research and teaching in the future.
Internship Project, Summer 2013
The Internship is intended to provide firsthand experience and a broader understanding of the care and
treatment of library and archives materials in an academic library. Under the direction of the Preservation
Librarian, the Intern will learn about the organization and operations of a comprehensive preservation
program and preservation issues and challenges within the context of a large research library. For the
Summer 2013 Internship, the Intern will work with staff from the Preservation Department to complete a
disaster preparedness and recovery plan for the paper-based and media collections. This plan will be the
major outcome of the internship. The plan should include the following:
a. Review the most current and relevant literature on the topic and selection of a model or tool that
might be used in the creation of a plan;
b. Create and update a communication tree for first response for each Library building;
c. Document important first steps to assist in the event of disaster when library materials are affected,
ranging from a minor incident to a major event. This information will be available on the Library’s
website and included as an appendix in the Library’s newly updated Emergency Manual;
d. Develop a specialized training workshop for each Library building to familiarize staff with the
contents of the disaster plan and their role in minimizing damage in the case of a disaster.
Eligibility and Requirements:
Graduates and currently enrolled students of a recognized library or conservation program; or students
(graduate or undergraduate) with equivalent experience and training in preservation or book conservation.
Applicants must be familiar with preservation principles, conservation treatments, and digitization activities
and possess the ability to work collaboratively and independently to accomplish project goals. Coursework
in Preservation that includes an introduction to disaster planning and preparedness in libraries is preferred.
Familiarity with Windows, word-processing and spreadsheet software is important.
Applicants must commit to six consecutive weeks of full-time work to occur between June 15th and August
30th. The 2013 Internship provides a $4,000 stipend. The University of Chicago is an Affirmative
Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Students who are interested in the Internship should submit a letter of application expressing their interest in
this opportunity as well as a resume and the names and e-mail addresses of three references. Applications
received by March 1st, 2013 will be given first consideration. Please send to:
Sherry Byrne
Preservation Librarian
University of Chicago Library
1100 E. 57th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
sbyr@uchicago.edu