Thomas Intern for Web Archiving and University History

Job Title: Thomas Intern for Web Archiving and University History 

Department: Special Collections and University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries 

Location: University of Oregon, Knight Library – Eugene, OR (in person; possibility of remote) 

Pay: $17.50/hour 

Contact: Alexa Goff, agoff@uoregon.edu and Ben Murphy, murphybp@uoregon.edu  

Closing date: Monday, June 16, 2025, 11:59 p.m. PDT 

Start date: Fall 2025 

Where to apply: Handshake 

Instructions for the Application 

Please submit the following with your online application: 

A cover letter addressing: 

Your applicable qualifications and competencies 

Statement of interest in the field of digital archives, web archiving, or the institutional histories of universities 

Your preferences for work location (on site in Eugene, OR or remote) 

A resume or CV 

Name and contact information for (2) other professional references 

Internship Summary 

The Thomas Intern for Web Archiving and University History will be responsible for evaluating existing University Archives content in Archive-It, identifying current institutional web sites that are not being captured, arranging and describing crawled content, and ensuring content is discoverable for researchers with existing finding aids. In working with web records, the intern will gain experience in the nascent and technologically advanced subfield of born-digital archival work. 

Because Archive-It has not been actively utilized for University Archives in the recent past, the Intern will have a high degree of autonomy to review existing practices, research evolving professional best practices and workflows, and make recommendations for changes to existing practice. In addition to learning about the unique challenges of digital archives, the Intern will study and utilize fundamental archival principles of appraisal, provenance and original order, authenticity, preservation and reliability, and legal issues related to copyright, privacy and access.   

This work will support the ongoing University Archives efforts to plan for the observance of the UO Sesquicentennial in 2026-27. There are many UO websites that have not been captured that tell important parts of institutional history. They are also susceptible to loss if someone should decide to unpublish them. To cite one example, a website on the proposed “New Partnership” under President Richard Lariviere is not captured in UO’s internal use of Archive-It. While this site is preserved in the Internet Archive, a researcher would have to discover this site independently. Crawling content internally and linking it to our existing description in ArchivesSpace would allow all content to be discoverable in one location. 

While this is one example, there are likely many such websites. The Intern would be responsible for conducting a survey of existing web content, prioritizing what to capture based on its value for research and risk of loss, and developing an implementation plan. The plan will also need to involve testing of Archive-It for capturing linked files, embedded web content, and other sorts of web content. Similarly, the intern will assist in testing potential integrations between web archiving with Archive-It and our digital preservation system, Preservica. Work may also include other digital preservation or institutional history projects as assigned. 

The Intern will be encouraged to present outcomes of their work to library faculty and staff, as well as in a publication or at a regional conference of archival professionals, which would be supported by a stipend if travel is required. Alternatively, the additional funding can be used for professional development and/or training. 

While on-site work is preferred, will consider candidates who will work hybrid or remote.  

Required Qualifications 

Current graduate or undergraduate enrollment in an accredited educational institution for the duration of the internship 

Completed or enrolled in at least one credit-bearing course in archival theory or digital archives; or, completed or enrolled in at least one credit-bearing course in a topic related to data preservation, digital libraries, or digital humanities 

Professional Competencies: 

Committed to the care of historical materials and cultural heritage, and interest in the histories of universities and/or higher education 

Knowledge of or a willingness to learn about web archiving technologies, including, but not limited to Archive-It 

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and in groups 

Ability to progress independently toward established goals in an environment with many competing priorities and projects 

Strong computer skills and a willingness to learn new applications and programs  

Strong attention to detail 

Preferred Qualifications 

Current resident of Oregon 

Current enrollment in an ALA-accredited graduate program for Library and Information Science or Archival Studies 

Specific degree emphasis on archives management, digital preservation and/or digital forensics  

Hours and Salary Range 

This internship is a paid, part-time, limited duration position with an average of 16 working hours per week. Pay is $17.50 hourly, with sick time. This position is not benefits eligible. 

Department Summary 

The University of Oregon Libraries, as the largest research library in the state, seeks to support and stimulate undergraduate instruction, graduate instruction, graduate and faculty research and service on the University of Oregon campus, as well as respond to the needs of scholars by providing access to information and information services.  
 
Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) is the primary repository for the university’s archives, rare books, historic photographs, and one of the largest historical manuscript collections in the Pacific Northwest. It is the largest repository in the state that provides extensive public access to its collections and is thus a critically important source of Oregon and Pacific Northwest materials to be used for research and instruction. 

*The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112