Blithewold Archival Photograph Scanning Assistant

Job Description

Organization: Blithewold Gardens and Arboretum

Positions Available:  1-2 students 

Hours: 3-4 hour shifts preferably one shift for continuity 

Primary(highly preferred) : Tuesday afternoons 1pm-4/5pm    Secondary: Mondays 1pm-4/5pm

Position Overview:

The Archival Photograph Scanning Assistant will assist in the digitization and preservation of historical photographic collections. This role involves scanning, cataloging, and organizing photographs to ensure their long-term preservation and accessibility. 

The position is ideal for students interested in archival science, history, or library and information science.

Key Responsibilities

  • Photograph Scanning: Operate scanners to digitize photographic materials, ensuring high resolution and color accuracy.
  • File Management: Save scanned images in appropriate file formats and resolutions; organize files in a digital archive system according to established guidelines.
  • Cataloging: Create and update metadata for scanned images, including descriptions, dates, and other relevant information to facilitate easy retrieval.
  • Preservation: Assist in the handling and care of original photographic materials, following best practices for archival preservation.
  • Quality Control: Review scanned images for quality and completeness, making corrections or rescanning as necessary.
  • Assistance with Projects: Support additional archival projects or tasks as needed, including assisting with physical and digital inventory and organizing archival materials.

Qualifications

  • Attention to Detail: Strong focus on accuracy and quality in scanning and metadata entry.
  • Technical Skills: Familiarity with image scanning software and basic photo editing tools is preferred. Training will be provided.
  • Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain organized digital and physical files.
  • Communication: Good verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with the team and documenting progress.
  • Team Oriented – ability to work independently on projects but also within a small team dynamic, take direction from others, update team on project status etc. 

Transportation: Blithewold is located within walking distance (.5 miles from campus on Rt. 114/101 Ferry Road). 

If you have a work study award and would like to earn your award through this position, fill out a community service work study interest form on Hawklink.  Sign in, search “Community Engagement” in Organizations – once there, look on our page at “forms” for the interest form.  Staff will receive your inquiry and contact you to schedule a referral. 

 You can also contact the Center for Engaged Learning at engage@rwu.edu or call 401-254-3765. 

*Students are prohibited from driving during work-study employment with the limited exception of authorized work-study driver positions.

Starting Date

Department Information

Contact Name

KC Ferrara

Department

Engaged Learning and Community Engagement

Phone Number

401-254-3765

Email

engage@rwu.edu