Working title: Digital Collections Metadata Remediation Intern (Digital Content & Collections Department)

Instructions for Applying:

1 - Complete the U-M student temporary employment application located under Wolverine Access > Student Business  

2 - Apply for this job online at:
https://forms.gle/hWsweUuQSjEXANeD7

Overview:
Hours: 12-15 hours per week
Weeks: 14 weeks for Winter Term 2025
Pay Rate: $18 per hour
Location: Fully Remote
Job Duration: 1 term, with possibility of continuation

Position Summary:
The metadata remediation intern will work with staff in Digital Content and Collections in order to identify and remediate outdated, harmful, and inaccurate descriptive metadata within several digital collections in alignment with the Library’s DEIA and anti-racist values, as incorporated in our strategic objectives. This effort will take a critical and reparative approach in order to address historical and ongoing harms caused by descriptive practices. Working with sensitive content is rewarding but can be challenging, both personally and professionally, and we seek to be intentional about creating an environment where the intern feels supported in all aspects of the work. 

Potential digital collections include:

• The Alfred Wilkinson Wilson Scrapbook, a digital collection from the Bentley Historical Library. This digital collection was identified as having offensive material and was removed from production until there could be a comprehensive review of the digital collection. The work of the intern will make it possible to review, ameliorate and/or contextualize its descriptive metadata to make it possible to put it into production again.
• At least one digital collection from the William L. Clements Library. The Clements Library collects 18th and 19th century American history and thus their materials can often contain difficult historical content. They have been engaged in developing protocols for identifying, flagging and appropriately managing this sensitive content. The work of the intern will make it possible to review, ameliorate and/or contextualize the descriptive metadata for the identified digital collections.

The intern will:

• Learn metadata format protocol for use in U-M Library digital collections
• Review resources for use in identifying metadata requiring remediation
• Analyze metadata for identified digital collections
• Collaborate with relevant individuals and groups at U-M Library, Bentley and Clements for appropriate alignment of remediation practices and processes
• Develop and implement a metadata remediation plan, in consultation with staff
• Report out on remediation outcomes, and document as needed
• Reflect on project experiences in order to help identify future remediation
• Report and present about remediation experience and findings in appropriate venues

Required Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in an MLIS or equivalent graduate program, or an advanced undergraduate (junior or senior standing) in the School of Information or a related area of study
• Some education or experience in metadata or descriptive practices within libraries, archives, or museums
• Interest in issues of social justice and equity within libraries, archives, or museums
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well both independently and in collaboration with others
• Strong skills using spreadsheets (and similar tools), including importing and exporting data in different formats
• Strong attention to detail and experience doing research

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with social justice frameworks, such as a background in critical academic disciplines such as Black Studies or Gender and Sexuality Studies, experience working with community organizations, or through lived experience
• Interest in digital libraries and archives
• Interest in technical aspects of metadata
• Experience with XML, SQL, or basic scripting in any programming language