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Volunteers, Internships, and Service Learning Programs

There are numerous opportunities available in the Research Center. Volunteers and interns may assist the public in the Research Center, or work behind the scenes with the collections. All volunteers and interns must agree to a background check before being accepted into the program. If you are interested in volunteering, complete our volunteer profile.

Volunteer Profile

Contact Us

Our volunteer coordinators are in the office Tuesday–Saturday. To inquire about volunteer or intern positions, please contact us.

Robert Wilkins
Robert.Wilkins@history.ok.gov
405-522-5227

Current Openings

Learn about openings in the following areas:
Library Collections and Technical Services Department
Manuscript Archives
Newspaper Archives
Photograph Archives
Various Departments: Digitization

Library Collections and Technical Services Department Volunteer and Internship Opportunities

Volunteer Projects
  • Shelving books and other library materials
  • Updating the library catalog, databases, indexes, and finding lists
  • Compiling lists of materials for exchange with other libraries
  • Creating labels and signs to help patrons locate library materials
  • Maintaining the proper book order and location by shelf-reading
  • Helping with inventory projects
  • Preparing items for the book sale
  • Assisting with the OHS Research Division book sale
Requirements for Volunteers
  • Volunteers must be able to use computers, type accurately, and be detail oriented
  • Some projects will also require lifting, pushing, and pulling (up to thirty pounds)

Projects will be assigned to volunteers based on their skills and schedule. Training will be provided.

Internship Projects
We have internship projects available in the following core areas
  • Collection development and management
  • Cataloging and classification
  • Preservation

Specific projects will be assigned by the Technical Services librarian following an interview with the candidate.

Requirements for Interns
Candidates must be:
  • Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program
  • Available to work within the department's hours of operation (Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.). Work shifts must be between two–six hours per day day; maximum twenty hours per week
  • Capable of lifting, pushing, and pulling (up to 30 pounds)
  • Detailed oriented; consistent; problem solvers; and self-disciplined

Internships are unpaid and last for a minimum of 40 hours. Candidates must apply at least two months prior to the internship starting date. An interest in cataloging and the history of printing and libraries will make the internship process more meaningful and enjoyable.

Manuscript Archives Volunteer and Internship Opportunities

All projects in the Manuscript Archives require data entry on a computer as well as the time commitment to complete the project assigned in a timely manner.

Processing Collections
  • Sorting by date or topic
  • Housing collections in archival folders/boxes
  • Data entry in the online catalog
  • Describing collections
Indexing
  • Data entry in Excel spreadsheets
  • Collecting information for indexes to be put on the website
Rehousing
  • Switching out old folders for new
  • Replacing boxes as necessary
  • Checking descriptions on folders against information in the catalog
Map/Architectural Plan Collection
  • Inventory of items
  • Work with an Excel Spreadsheet to collection information
  • Housing maps in folders
  • Unwrapping and housing architectural plans

Newspaper Archives Volunteer and Internship Opportunities

Microfilming newspapers
  • Including both current and historic newspapers
  • No prior experience needed; all training done on-site
Digitizing microfilm
  • Scanning microfilm rolls on using NextStar scanners
  • Indexing digital files using Excel
  • Some familiarity and comfort with computers preferred
Research projects
  • Researching and writing short biographical essays on the history of the newspaper titles in our collection
  • Essays will be posted on The Gateway to Oklahoma History
  • Some work can be done at home
  • This is a great internship opportunity

Photograph Archives Volunteer Opportunities

Data Entry/Cataloging

  • Specifics: Entering data into formatted Excel spreadsheets, including the collection name, item number, title, description, photo name, photographer, and keywords
  • Volunteers should be comfortable with Windows 7 and proficient in Microsoft Excel, and have the ability to type accurately and double check work
  • Volunteers must be able to commit to a long-term project and to working a two- to six-hour shift twice a week
  • We are looking for two to five individuals who can work quickly, efficiently, and semi-autonomously

Browse Books project

  • Description: Browse books are binders full of loose-leaf photocopies of images
  • Specifics: Volunteers will help with cross-referencing photographs
  • Volunteers should be comfortable with Windows 7, have basic research skills and the ability to use advanced search functions in databases
  • Volunteers must be able to commit to a long-term project and to working a two- to six-hour shift twice a week
  • We are looking for five individuals who can work quickly, efficiently, and semi-autonomously

Training will be provided on project specifics.

Various Departments: Digitization Internship Opportunities

Benefits
Interns will work with various OHS collections to process and describe materials and gain valuable work experience with aspects of the archival process. Interns will scan images, scrapbooks, documents, and catalogs as part of the OHS mission to make archival collections accessible to the public. Interns will use digital technologies to create and enhance electronic access to our collections.

Best qualified candidates will
  • Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program
  • Have basic research skills using databases, online portals, and online information sources
  • Be able to lift and carry up to thirty-five pounds
Requirements
  • Interns must set a schedule and abide by that schedule between the hours of 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday
  • Interns are asked to work a minimum of eight hours week and to work in shifts at least three hours at a time
To apply

Applicants who wish to intern in digitization may email a statement of intent no more than 100 words in length to the volunteer coordinators. After your email is received, staff will contact you to set up an interview. Students should first consult with their advisor or internship liaison for direction and/or approval. Interns must agree to a background check before they may begin work. Please include your name, email, phone number, current school, major/minor, and experience.