The University Library’s Reference Team is seeking a dedicated student to assist with an indexing project. Historically, part of the duty of reference staff and student assistants was to review the local newspapers and clip articles that m ight be of interest to the researchers . These articles were then stored in file folders divided between topics pertaining to the University and the Charlottesville/Albemarle area. While the practice fell out of common use in the 1980s and 90s , these files still provide a valuable tool for researchers who are looking into local topics or seeking to contextualize larger historical movements within the local community. Newsprint is an ephemeral medium so these clippings have becoming quite fragile and can be challenging for researchers to access without causing further damage. Mass digitization or transcription is not possible given the scop e of the collection and the myriad copyright holders represented in these files, so instead we are seeking to create an indexed list of their contents (article title, date, publication, etc . ).

This indexing project will increase the availability, accessibility, and visibility of the UVA and Local History Clippings files . The library has access to many of the newspapers represented in this collection through other means, such as microfilm or digitized versions , but they are not keyword searchable and in many cases the only indexes are handwritten notes, if they exist at all . In addition to providing researchers a contents list of the clippings files themselves, this project will provide a list of articles and subject headings that can be accessed without handling the fragile originals . This provides further opportunities for researchers who may not be able to visit in-person or who would benefit from the ability to create OCRed copies.

The Library is seeking a detail - oriented student to assist with this indexing project. The environment will include materials that can be both fragile and dusty . Hours are negotiable but we expect between 12 to 40 hours per week , to take place during regular 9-5, Monday through Friday business hours . Having your own laptop that can be used as part of this project is highly preferred . This position would be ideal for a student already involved in researching local historical topics, as we are willing to allow their interests to help guide what subjects and folders are given priority in addition to our own internal needs . It could also prove a valuable opportunity for someone who will make heavy use of Archives or Special Collections in their studies and career, providing valuable insight into the work necessary to make these unique collections more accessible to a wider audience.

Hourly rate: $15.32/hour