Special Collections Archival Intern

Archival Internship at Vanderbilt University
 

Position Title: Intern 

Department: Special Collections and University Archives 

Location: Nashville, TN 

Duration: Summer 2026 
 

Position Overview
Vanderbilt Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) holds the complete collections of cartoonists Tom Little and Charles Bissell whose work appeared in The Tennessean from the 1930s-1970s. Their work presents a near daily glimpse into four decades of local, regional, and national politics. The collections are housed in hundreds of oversized flat boxes, roughly collated together by year.
We are seeking an intern to help us process and describe these collections by examining each cartoon and entering the appropriate metadata in a spreadsheet. Some research may be required as well as some light preservation work. We are aiming to have a cartoon processed every 5 minutes, so time management is key. The goal is to make these collections accessible since they are currently under-described, which limits their educational and research value. This internship will provide hands-on archival experience in an academic library environment, and is generously funded by the TN250 program, which will highlight Tennessee as part of the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
 

Key Responsibilities
•Examine items and enter all appropriate metadata into a spreadsheet
•Conduct research with designated databases when needed
•Request materials through our request management system
•Folder, label and re-box items as needed
•Separate items with tissue paper to help preservation
•Attend meetings and take notes when needed
•Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor
Qualifications
•Undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a relevant degree program
•Strong attention to detail and organization with a willingness to learn
•Ability to lift 30–40-pound boxes
•Excellent time management skills are a must
Benefits
•Hands-on archival experience
•Mentorship and professional development
•Potential academic credit (if applicable)

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.