Projects for Introductory Field Experiences
As we mentioned previously, ideal projects involve a small processing project (less than 5 linear feet). However, projects do vary in size and scope as the needs of sites vary. Students enrolled in this course may or may not have any prior experience working in archives. We consider a student’s experience level when matching students with sites and projects.
Here are some parameters to consider for project design:
- All students should be supervised by a professional while on site
- Supervisors cannot be volunteers
- All work done by students must be professional in nature
- No menial, sub-, or para-professional work is appropriate (e.g., getting coffee)
- Compensation is not required
It is important to note that all sites and projects are subject to approval by the manager of field experiences at SLIS.
Examples of past introductory field experiences include:
- Processing and creating a finding aid in ArchivesSpace at a university archives
- Processing the papers of a city employee for a history room at a local public library
- Processing genealogical records at a town historical society
- Working with the processing team at an archival consulting company
- Processing a doctor and professor’s papers at a local hospital’s archives
- Processing artists’ books at an art institute
- Processing city park plans at a city archives
- Processing a small manuscript collection at a museum archives
- Processing records at an architectural firm’s archives
Deliverables, or final products, vary by site and project. Students are asked to provide some evidence of their field experience when they submit their final report at the end of each semesters. Past submissions have included, but are not limited to: a link to a digital finding aid; a finding aid in a Word document; or a daily log book of their experience.
Field experience work is worth 25% of a student’s final LIS 438 course grade. This grade is based on their “contract,” midpoint report, and final reflection with products, as well as your supervisor evaluations.