*The Organization*
The Black Metropolis Research Consortium (BMRC) is an unincorporated
Chicago-based association of libraries, universities, and other archival
institutions with major holdings of materials that document African American
and African Diaspora culture, history, and politics, with a specific focus
on materials relating to Chicago. The University of Chicago serves as Host
Institution to the BMRC.
*The Color Curtain Processing Project*
The Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) has awarded a
twenty-eight month “Hidden Collections” grant to the Black Metropolis
Research Consortium (BMRC) for our “Color Curtain Processing Project:
Unveiling the Archives of Chicago's Black Metropolis”.
The generosity of CLIR will enable the BMRC to process over 10,000 linear
feet of its members' primary resource collections related to African
American History, create EAD finding aids, and formally introduce
undergraduate students to the archival profession.
*Job Responsibilities*
**Team work and the ability to follow directions, work quickly, and achieve
goals under strict time constraints are absolutely essential for the success
of the overall project.
Arrange and describe archival collections at select BMRC institutions
Participate in the evaluation of the "Color Curtain Processing Project:
Unveiling the Archives of Chicago's Black Metropolis”
Contribute to the project blog Create finding aids for collections
*Applicant Must:*
*Be a currently enrolled undergraduate student *
Possess a strong interest in history and/or archives and special collections
Be available to work 20 hours a week
Possess excellent organizational skills and the ability to achieve deadlines
Be comfortable working independently and with a team
Be capable of working for multiple supervisors and professionals in the
archival, library and museum field
Be willing to travel to any of the BMRC institutions participating in this
project
Be capable of lifting 40 pounds
Pass a background check
*Compensation*
$13.50/hr
*Duration*
The BMRC/CLIR "Color Curtain Processing Project: Unveiling the Archives of
Chicago's Black Metropolis” project will run through July, 2013. Students
will be hired to work from November 1st, 2011 to May 1st, 2012; with the
potential for extension dependent upon excellent reviews by project staff
and participating institutions and continued status as a student. A
mandatory 4 day training session (paid) will be held in early November,
2011. The project team will be based at the BMRC office on the University of
Chicago campus in Hyde Park.
*To Apply*
Submit a resume, a letter of interest that includes availability/schedule
information, a short writing sample, and complete contact information for
two references to bjules@uchicago.edu with the subject line “Color Curtain
Processing Project Undergraduate Student Application.”
***Application Deadline 10/10/2011*
--
Bergis Jules
Project Director/Archivist
Black Metropolis Research Consortium
University of Chicago
5720 S. Woodlawn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637
Office: 773-702-2388
Cell: 812-929-7624
