Archives Internships Available With Democracy Now
When people think of “archives” they often think “dusty basement rooms with lots of mice and old paper documents.” Well part of that is true (the part about lots of old documents) but the “archives” in the digital era has come to encompass a whole lot more than just old paper materials. A good case in point is the Democracy Now archives.
Democracy Now is a huge force in the world of media and is often one of the very few places to get unbiased reportage and commentary about the important events of the day. The Democracy Now archives contains large amounts of video, photographic, recorded sound and textual media that must be maintained (and expanded) to allow for near-instantaneous access by DN staff and reporters as well as the general public.
Democracy Now has a very important link to Hampshire College. Amy Goodman, host of Democracy Now’s daily radio/television broadcast, gave the keynote speech at the College’s 2013 commencement ceremony (video of which can be found here).
Democracy Now is looking for an intern at its archives. This would be an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in the mission of Democracy Now and who is interested in radio or television broadcast archival collections. More information about the internship, including contact information for those who wish to apply, can be found below in this message from Brendan Allen, the Archivist at Democracy Now:
The Democracy Now! Archive is looking for interns for summer 2013. The
internship program is structured for students and individuals interested in
gaining hands on experience in the field of audiovisual archiving and
preservation. Interns build skills and become familiar with practical
applications of those skills in the workplace. The position requires a ten
week commitment and approximately fifteen hours per week.
Composed of over 70,000 media items, the archive contains books,
photographs, artifacts and audiovisual materials such as field recordings,
oral histories, interviews, and news footage from the 1980s to today. An
integral part of daily operations and production of Democracy Now!, the
archive is also used as a resource by researchers, filmmakers, artists and
educators.
Interns are responsible for cataloging incoming video created by Democracy
Now! producers and other independent media and news organizations. Interns
also process collections and library books, re-house items, digitize 1/4″
audio reels and VHS tape, and are encouraged to work on special projects of
their choice. This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in
pursuing a career in media archives in a busy newsroom environment.
Knowledge of current events is helpful.
To apply:
Send a cover letter and resumeviaemailtobrendan@democracynow.org with
subject header INTERN. Please tell us why you would be a good match for this
internship.
Interviews and positions will be filled on a rolling basis, so applicants
are encouraged to apply early. Start and end dates for the internships are
flexible.
Brendan Allen
Archivist
Democracy Now!
207 West 25th Street, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 431-9090
Email:brendan@democracynow.org