Museum Studies Blog at Tufts University

Student Responsibilities:

• Inspect and research unprocessed objects
• Consult acquisition files to determine status of objects
• Create acquisition and catalog records for unprocessed objects
• Prepare and mail Deed of Gift agreements for acquisitioned objects
• Occasionally attend Acquisition Committee and other meetings
• Pack and mail rejected objects to donors
• Write a blog post

Knowledge intern is expected to gain:

• Experience working in a professional setting
• Specialized training in MNHS collections cataloging and collections management software
• Knowledge of collection acquisition process and museum standards and best practices
• Training in the careful handling of fragile historic objects
• Experience handling museum artifacts

Student Responsibilities:

• Keep any information in “restricted” files confidential. Information in restricted files must not be shared with anyone outside the Collections Department.
• Appraise and arrange incoming manuscripts collections.
• Label folders and boxes with clarity and accuracy.
• Prepare box/folder/volume spreadsheets.
• Research and draft biographical sketches and organizational histories as requested.

Knowledge intern is expected to gain:

• Practical experience in the appraisal and arrangement of manuscripts collections.
• Experience using common office software.
• Exposure to and knowledge of varied manuscripts collections
• Experience in historical research.