Student Programs > Other Opportunities > Preventive Conservation Internship

Preventive Conservation Internship

Program Description:

The Conservation Division at the Library of Congress is one of five Divisions that falls within the Library's Preservation Directorate. The prospective Preventive Care Intern can expect to interact with a large percentage of the staff on a broad cross-section of materials. The Division presently employs several dozen conservation professionals. In addition to the permanent staff, there are a variety of special projects conducted by contract personnel, which serve to further enrich the Intern's experience. Located within the Conservation Division is the Preservation Directorate Resource Center, staffed by a full time Librarian, which contains one of the most comprehensive collections of conservation literature available.

The goal of the Internship is to provide an educational opportunity for conservators seeking training in preventive conservation. Interns will focus on institution-wide conservation problems in context and be challenged to develop practical and theoretical solutions for a broad range of formats and collections. Interns will learn how to assess collections, develop conservation strategies, apply preventive treatments, develop treatment work plans, monitor and manage work in conservation; and contribute generally to the conservation of library and archival collections through participation in education and training initiatives. In addition to practical exercises and projects, Interns will develop their theoretical knowledge in key conservation areas, including the selection of materials for treatment, environmental monitoring and control, the application of micro-environments, disaster preparedness, response and recovery, program administration, and the development of strategies for the long-term preservation of collections.

The specific areas to be covered during the Internship period will be determined in consultation with the Library of Congress Conservation Division. Areas available for concentrated study include: general conservation assessment, collection condition survey and examination, collection processing and documentation, collection housing and housekeeping, treatment, work space and equipment maintenance, emergency preparedness and disaster recovery, environmental monitoring, exhibition preparation, integrated pest management, packing and moving collections, labeling and marking, research, staff training and user awareness, consultation, outreach and advocacy, and preservation reformatting. Additional administrative skills that may be used are specifications and contracting, fund raising, training and team-building.

Selection Procedure:

Candidates will be selected on the basis of conservation knowledge, skills, and abilities, an active commitment to professional ethics as stated in the American Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, effective communication skills, and an understanding of library and archival collections.

The Library may accept one or more advanced level Interns per year in the Preventive Conservation Specialization. Length of Internship is typically 11-12 months and generally follows the academic year. Other options are possible depending on time available, current Library staffing and work load, and the candidate's interests and qualifications. Résumé and two letters of recommendation along with a formal letter of application may be requested. A personal interview with portfolio is scheduled with Internship coordinators. In the case of applicants who are not able to present their portfolio in person, telephone interviews and letters of recommendations may be substituted at the discretion of the Internship supervisor.

Application Schedule:

Applications due by February 1st.
Announcement of selection will be made by April 15th.
Internship begins in the early part of September.