HBCU Library Alliance Summer 2022 Conservation/Preservation Intern Program

The Winterthur University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation, in partnership with the HBCU Library Alliance, received a fifth round of funding to coordinate seven fully-funded, virtual six-week summer internships in library and archives preservation during 2022, at nationally-recognized library preservation/conservation laboratories. Winterthur’s Melissa Tedone, Ph.D., Associate Conservator for Books and Libraries, is Primary Investigator for this project.

Thanks to the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, the University of Delaware College of Arts and Science, the Department of Art Conservation at the University of Delaware, and the Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library (DE) for funding this internship project. Thanks to former Board member Debbie Hess Norris, University of Delaware, for securing this funding.

Summer interns are participating in synchronous, interactive, weekly group seminars that will give a broad overview of library preservation activities. Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, is scheduled to present at one of the sessions. Under the mentorship of an assigned site supervisor, each intern will virtually conduct an independent research or practical project for the host site.

The seven students and host sites are…

Zaina Goggins, Elizabeth City State University (NC)
Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas
Zaina Rene is a senior History major with a concentration in Digital and Public History. Her long-term goal is to work in digital archives to assist content creators, artists, and activists in protecting and promoting their contributions. Through courses such as, “Introduction to Digital and Public History” and “African American Experience in North Carolina,” Zaina was provided with research tools and opportunities that solidified her interest in preservation.

The Ransom Center is an internationally renowned humanities research library and museum at the University of Texas at Austin. Its extensive collections provide unique insight into the creative process of writers and artists, deepening our understanding and appreciation of literature, photography, film, art, and the performing arts. The Center’s Preservation and Conservation Division provides a full range of preventive and conservation treatment options for the long-term care of its collections.

 
 
La’Sha James, Bennett College (NC)
Yale University Library (CT)
La’Sha is a sophomore Education major who intends to pursue a Library Science degree. She previously participated in a preservation internship at Johnson C. Smith University (NC). For La’Sha, participation in the summer internship will build character, offer new experiences, and provide skills to teach other generations the importance of archives.

The Gates Conservation Laboratory at the Yale University Library opened in the fall of 2015 and is home to the conservation and exhibitions services program for the University's collection of 14 million books, manuscripts, archival documents, photographs and artifacts held in 16 libraries or collections on campus. The collections of the library, especially those of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, document a diverse range of the human record from Egyptian papyri to early Civil War photographs, and archives of writers, artists, and musicians of the Harlem Renaissance to those of student organizations on the Yale campus.

 
 
Paige Lloyd, Benedict College (SC)
Harvard University (MA)
Paige is a freshman Studio Art major who is passionate about history and promoting the importance of art and literature to children. Paige is a self-described bibliophile who considers the field of preservation as her dream career.

The Harvard Library holds the largest academic library collection in the world. The Harvard Library Preservation Program comprises state-of-the-art facilities and staff committed to ensuring that library materials remain secure and usable by employing a variety of strategies for conserving materials, digitizing physical collections, preserving library content in digital formats, and providing robust education and outreach programs.

 
Cierra Monika Matthews, Hampton University (VA)
Duke University Libraries (NC)
Cierra is a junior Sports Medicine major who recognizes the value of documentation, particularly in terms of accuracy and historical relevance. Cierra's intent in participating in the internship is to utilize the lessons learned to aid her library with preservation projects.

Duke University Libraries is committed to diversity in its patron communities, services, collections, staff and spaces. One of its guiding principles is to build, maintain, and provide access to an international and multilingual collection, representing the broadest possible spectrum of cultures, ideas, and information. Significant collections include the University Archives, the John Hope Franklin Research Center for African and African American History and Culture, the Human Rights Archives, and the Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History & Culture. The core mission of the Conservation Services Department is to ensure that library materials can be used by patrons both now and in the future.

Kayla Rolle, Benedict College (SC)
Yale University Library (CT)
Kayla is a junior English Language and Literature major with a minor in Psychology who understands the value of historical preservation as well as the legacy of the library. A recent archival research project where themes were extracted from newsletters and primary and secondary resources were analyzed piqued her interest in preservation.

The Gates Conservation Laboratory at the Yale University Library opened in the fall of 2015 and is home to the conservation and exhibitions services program for the University's collection of 14 million books, manuscripts, archival documents, photographs and artifacts held in 16 libraries or collections on campus. The collections of the Library, especially those of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, document a diverse range of the human record from Egyptian papyri to early Civil War photographs, and archives of writers, artists, and musicians of the Harlem Renaissance to those of student organizations on the Yale campus.

 
Erin Simms, Claflin University (SC)
Brown University (RI)
Erin Simms is a freshman History major with a double minor in Gender Studies and Psychology who has research and history preservation career aspirations. Erin has a strong passion for community service, creativity, and leadership.

The Brown University Library is a dynamic physical, virtual, and intellectual hub for furthering the University’s global mission of leadership and academic excellence. Brown University Library preserves the past and innovate for the future. Brown University Library advances instruction, learning, and research in the University by providing critical expertise, curated collections, and responsive technology and spaces in an environment of creativity and inclusivity.

 
Jasmine Voss, Fisk University (TN)
University of Kansas
Jasmine Voss is a junior Biology major who is also a student assistant at Fisk’s John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin library. Jasmine believes that internships are valuable spaces where one can truly grow into their passion, walk within their light, and own their calling. According to Jasmine, the highlight of her undergraduate experience has been the establishment of herself as a campus leader who is true to her moral compass and values.

Kansas University Libraries have more than 5.6 million print items in seven campus locations, which see more than 1.2 million visits every year. In 2016-17, patrons checked out nearly 130,000 items and accessed more than 3 million articles online. Through their resources and expertise, Kansas University Libraries work to advance discovery, innovation and learning for Kansas University, the state and a rapidly expanding community of world scholars.

Congrats to these distinguished HBCU interns!