Northwest Archivists, Inc. is pleased to announce the opening of the Archivist-in-Residence application! Please read on for more information about this important pilot program and for links to residency criteria and application.

Problem: Unpaid internships have become a problem in our profession. They serve as a barrier to entry into our field, especially along the lines of race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and class, contributing to an imbalance in our profession. Unless an individual is willing and able to work without compensation, they are deemed unqualified for even entry level work in the field. 

Second Problem: Many institutions in the Pacific NW rely on internships to complete project work. While some do have the resources to fund internships, many others do not. Many archival programs would like to invest in the next generation of professionals through training programs and internships but are severely limited by their budgets.  

Solution: NWA will set the example for how we can combat unethical practices, support interns, and assist under-resourced institutions though the Archivist-in-Residence program.

Northwest Archivists, Inc. is offering a $5,000 stipend for one graduate student (or recent graduate within two years) to receive an Archivist-in-Residence opportunity. The purpose of this residency is two-fold:  1. To offer upcoming and new professionals with paid career development opportunities to apply knowledge in archives, libraries, museums, or a related field; and 2. To provide an opportunity for archival organizations to work toward the long term goal of eliminating unpaid work within the field.  The residency may last up to 12 weeks during the summer months.The resident will receive a one-year complimentary membership to Northwest Archivists.

This is a unique experience for a new professional to develop a project based on their goals and skills and work directly with an organization to determine the project’s scope, goals, and outcomes. The Archivist-in-Residence will be managed by an on-site supervisor assigned by the host organization, though the resident may interact and work under the temporary direction of a number of other employees depending on the scope of the project.

Please read the Archivist-in-Residence criteria document for more information on resident, host organization, and proposed project requirements. More program details can be found here and application here.

The NWA Paid Internship Committee would like to thank NWA membership and our Gold-level sponsors for their support of the Archivist-in-Residence program.