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Intern Archivist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Motown Museum

Digitization Intern

Detroit, MI · On-site

$2.0K/wk

The intern will work within the Archives & Collections Department and report to the Digital Preservation Specialist. What you'll do * Essential Functions: - Digitization: Imaging flat materials ...

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Intern Archivist information

What types of projects do Intern Archivists typically work on, and how do these experiences contribute to professional development?

Intern Archivists often assist with organizing, cataloging, and preserving historical documents and digital records. They may also participate in digitization projects, research requests, and the development of finding aids for collections. These tasks provide hands-on experience with archival standards, metadata creation, and collection management, which are invaluable for building a foundation in archival practices and expanding professional skills for future roles in libraries, museums, or records management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Intern Archivist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Intern Archivist, you typically need a background in library science, history, or a related field, with strong organizational and research skills. Familiarity with archival management systems, digital cataloging tools, and basic preservation techniques is often required. Attention to detail, curiosity, and effective communication enhance your ability to work with historical materials and collaborate with team members. These competencies are crucial for maintaining the integrity of collections, ensuring accurate records, and supporting access to valuable archival resources.

What does an archival intern do?

An archival intern assists with organizing, cataloging, and preserving historical documents and records. They may also help with digitization projects, research, and maintaining archival collections using tools like database management systems. The role provides hands-on experience in archival practices and records management.

How to get experience as an archivist?

To gain experience as an archivist, individuals can pursue internships or volunteer positions at archives, museums, or libraries to develop skills in cataloging, preservation, and digital management. Earning a degree in history, library science, or archival studies and gaining familiarity with archival software like Archivist's Toolkit or ArchivesSpace can also enhance qualifications.

Is 23 too old for an internship?

Intern archivist positions are typically open to candidates of various ages, and 23 is generally considered a suitable age for an internship. Age is rarely a limiting factor, and employers often value relevant skills, such as organization and familiarity with archival tools, over age. Many internships welcome early-career individuals seeking experience in the field.

What is the difference between Intern Archivist vs Archivist?

AspectIntern ArchivistArchivist
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate with relevant courseworkBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Library Science, Archival Studies, or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in museums, libraries, or archivesFull-time professional setting managing collections and records
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, cultural organizations, archivesLibraries, museums, government agencies, corporate archives
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles and responsibilitiesClarifying professional duties and career progression

Intern Archivists are typically students or recent graduates gaining practical experience, while Archivists are trained professionals managing collections full-time. The roles differ mainly in experience level, responsibilities, and employment status, but both work within similar environments and industries.

What does an Intern Archivist do?

An Intern Archivist assists professional archivists in preserving, organizing, and managing historical documents and records. Their tasks typically include cataloging materials, digitizing documents, helping with research requests, and maintaining archival databases. Interns gain practical experience with archival standards, preservation techniques, and information management systems. This role is ideal for students or recent graduates interested in library science, history, or records management.

Will AI replace archivist?

AI can assist archivists by automating tasks such as cataloging, data organization, and digitization, but it is unlikely to fully replace the role. Archivists' expertise in context, preservation, and decision-making remains essential, and skills in managing digital tools and metadata are important in the evolving field.
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Infographic showing various Intern Archivist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 21% As Needed, 8% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 65% Temporary, 2% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.
Archives and Records Management Intern: Digitization

Archives and Records Management Intern: Digitization

SFMOMA

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

Internship

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. We cannot imagine life without art; it inspires and connects us every day. Now more than ever, these connections matter and are aligned with our values.
Inclusive: We strive to be a museum of many voices in dialogue.
Passionate: We believe working with art is more than a job or trusteeship - it's a way of life.
Brave: We are committed to approaching our work with courage and a sense of adventure, always ready to explore new perspectives.
Empathic: We aim to act like a person, not an institution.
SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore, support, and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think, view the world, and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy, nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose-where difference is seen as a strength, and every one is appreciated for their whole self.
Schedule: Fall 2026, duration based on school schedule, at least 3 hours per week, fully onsite
This is an unpaid internship - applicant must provide proof for receiving school credit.
Archives and Records Management
The SFMOMA Archives collects, preserves, and provides reference access to the records that document the curatorial, educational, and administrative activities of the museum. The SFMOMA Archives houses the institutional records of the museum dating back to 1935. The department is also responsible for the museum's Records Management Program. In this capacity, the Archives staff develops strategies, plans policies, and implements guidelines to ensure the orderly transfer and disposition of museum documentation so that the museum's historical record is complete.
Position Description
The Archives and Records Management internship aims to provide experience with the digitization of archival cultural material and offers an opportunity to learn more about the archives and records management profession. The Archives and Records Management intern will work one-on-one with the Associate Records Manager to inventory, lightly process, and perform holdings maintenance for archival materials in preparation for digitization. The Archives and Records Management intern will learn how to complete scan requests for internal and external research requests, upload digitized assets to the digital asset management system (DAMS), and develop and improve procedures relating to digitization standards and practices for the Archives and Records Management department.
Project Plan
    • Get to know the SFMOMA Archives & Records Management Department
      • Learn about the archives' role and collections, as well as its policies and procedures as pertain to digitizing material
      • Meet the team and learn about each person's role and path to SFMOMA
      • Learn the tools that are used to digitize physical archives materials and make them accessible to internal and external audiences
    • Begin and complete scanning requests and small-scale digitization projects as assigned
      • Perform holdings maintenance on material queued and pulled for scanning as needed
      • Scan material following existing archival digitization standards
      • Upload and input descriptive metadata for scanned material to digital asset management system
      • Track request progress in Asana
      • Deliver completed scans as assigned
    • Participate in SFMOMA Archives inventory projects
      • In an effort to identify more collections to triage for processing and digitization, the intern will assist with inventorying unprocessed collections, such posters, AV materials, and press materials
    • By the end of the internship, the Archives & Records Management intern will have:
      • Complete a metrics report of digitization work
      • Created and/or updated digitization SOPs and standards documentation
      • Attained experience the full lifecycle of digitization at the SFMOMA Archives
      • Assisted with research requests
      • Participated in archival inventory and triage for processing and digitization

Educational Objectives
  • Gain experience in processing and digitizing archival materials.
  • Collaborate with colleagues within the Archives and Art Resources department
  • Develop research, information management and problem-solving skills.
  • Introduce the intern to core competencies of the archives and records management professions through a combination of the assigned project and mentoring.

Qualifications & Skills
  • Must be a current student in or recent graduate of a Masters-level program in library science, records management/administration, museum studies, or related program.
  • Detail-oriented and extremely organized
  • Interest in archives and records management, specifically in a museum setting
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft 365 (including Teams and SharePoint), and task-management applications such as Asana and Airtable
  • Experience handling fragile objects, particularly paper and audiovisual materials

Application Requirements
  • Intern application on SFMOMA job site
  • Resume, in PDF format
  • Cover letter stating the specific internship of interest, in PDF format
    • Describe the experience you bring, why you are interested in museum or nonprofit work, reasons for applying to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and your goals for the internship.
  • Two letters of recommendation from either a college professor or current/former employer, in PDF format
  • College/university transcript, in PDF format
    • Transcripts can be unofficial but must be legible
    • If you are currently enrolled in a master's or PhD program, please provide the transcript for your current program, not your undergraduate transcript

The position's workspace is divided between the museum's Third Street location and its Collection Center in South San Francisco dependent on assigned projects.
Job posting open date: 5/18/26
All jobs posted will remain open for at least five business days.
We encourage all interested applicants to apply within the initial open posting period as the application close date may or may not be extended beyond that initial period. Applications will not be accepted after a posting has been closed.
Location: San Francisco, 151 3rd Street.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
SFMOMA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. No person shall be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, genetic information, ancestry/national origin, marital status, disability, medical condition, HIV status, sexual orientation, veteran/military status, and any other category protected by federal of state law.
You may request reasonable accommodation if you are unable to or are limited in your ability to access job postings or provide additional information asked in the job posting.
You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting the People Team at [email protected].

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