Projects:

1. Library Project (One Student)
The NMAI Library is developing a section on Native American artists in the NMAI Library for the Art & Artist's Files in the SIL (Smithsonian Institution Libraries) Collections project. The Smithsonian Art & Artist's Files are an exceptionally valuable resource for art historical research done on emerging regional and local artists and often are the only obtainable sources of information. Until now, the files were largely unavailable to those who did not travel to Washington, D.C. In 2004, several efforts were combined to produce an electronic list as the first step toward universal accessibility. The student will prepare and enter Native American artist's records into the database. The student will gain experience in sorting and preparing vertical file materials for entry into a database. In addition the student will learn how to research an artist to determine name authority, tribal affiliation, etc., and gain experience in developing a database. If the student is interested, the database is available online. The student would also receive an introduction to the Smithsonian Institution Libraries and the NMAI Resource Center on the Mall.

Location:
National Museum of the American Indian
Cultural Resources Center
Suitland, Maryland

Participant Comments

"I prepared and entered Native American artists' records into the database. I gained experience in sorting and preparing vertical file materials for entry into a database. In addition I learned how to research an artist to determine name authority, tribal affiliation, etc., and gain experience in developing a database. I received an introduction to the Smithsonian Institution Libraries and the NMAI Resource Center on the Mall.

"My favorite part of my assignment was meeting with a variety of information professionals working at the NMAI CRC as well as throughout the Smithsonian Library and Museum system. I truly enjoyed working with with Lynne and Melinda Jane, the staff at the NMAI CRC library. I appreciated their warmth, kindness, and their generosity in sharing their experiences and wisdom with me. Lynne was thoughtful enough to make sure I saw the Smithsonian Library and Museum system beyond the CRC. She took me on field trips to the Anthropology Library and Archives and the Museum of Natural History. Ducky, a staff member at the NMAI CRC, gave me a tutorial on the database that they use to keep track of all of the items in the museum's collection. I thought this was fascinating. I realize that the NMAI CRC relies on interns like me to help them complete projects for which they wouldn't otherwise have time.

"My experience working at the NMAI CRC had a positive impact on me. I came away from my experience interning at the CRC excited by all of the possibilities that working as an information professional in a museum setting presents. Before working at the CRC, I had not seriously considered working at a museum nor had I thought about the records keeping issues that museums face. This experience made me more interested in working in and learning about museums.

"I loved being in D.C. and being so close to all of the museums. I enjoyed the people I met and worked with the most."


2. Photo Archives (One Student)
The Photo Archives department is in the process of surveying material that was never brought into the NMAI Photo Archives Collection; this includes a basic survey of the material, comparing and assigning photo numbers, re-housing the material as necessary, applying for a retro-lot accession number, creating a catalog card, and (eventually!) entering the information on EMu (NMAI database system). This is a good short-term project for an intern, because it is a step-by-step walk-through of the process of cataloging Photo Archives material, a process which they would use time and time again in an Archives career.

Location:
National Museum of the American Indian
Cultural Resources Center
Suitland, Maryland

Participant Comments

(Student completed one photo collection survey and inventoried large format images. Also collected data on a spreadsheet and made the collection ready for digitization.)

"Washington, D.C., was amazing. I saw how solitary a photo archive can be as you work on individual projects. It has made me question how much interaction I need with others in my workspace. Lou was great. He was very busy, but was always willing to discuss questions with me as they came up."


3. NMAI Publications (One Student)
The NMAI Publications Office has begun compiling a database of object photographs and other digital image files. Particularly useful is the potential for the database to link the images to such metadata as curators' captions, publication history, and source and copyright information. The student will work with the publications staff to assess the advantages and disadvantages of the software the staff uses (Adobe Bridge and Extensis Portfolio), advise them on ways to improve their functionality of the database, and bring them up to date on other ways information technology can make their work more efficient (e.g., through software that would manage and track royalty income). A Macintosh workstation is available in the graphic designer's office for this project.

Location:
National Museum of the American Indian
National Mall
Washington, D.C.