Deadline: Ongoing
The Black Music History Library is a digital collection of books, articles, documentaries, series, podcasts and more about the Black origins of traditional and popular music. Founded in 2020 by NYU Gallatin alumna Jenzia Burgos, BMHL was born out of a need to make resources about Black music history as comprehensive and accessible as possible.
Organization Website: https://blackmusiclibrary.com/Library
Organization Address: Remote
Contact Phone: (646) 513-1593
Contact Email: hello@blackmusiclibrary.com
INTERNSHIP INFORMATION
Dates of Internship: Now–May 15 2022
Industry: Arts/Arts Management, Social Justice
Keywords: Archival, Curation, Music, Journalism
Preferred Academic Level: Undergraduate
Description of Internship:
The Black Music History Library is seeking Curatorial Interns to support our growing collection efforts. Curatorial Interns will work closely with our founder to research works and artists, source archival materials and expand the collections’ presence on our website. You’re an ideal fit for this role if you are passionate about the preservation of Black music history and are eager to (or already) seek out the work of journalists, historians, scholars and more in the field.
Curatorial Interns serve for several hours per week (flexible) for three months. After three months, Curatorial Interns may be reappointed for another three months or rotate to another role at BMHL upon discussion. Training for this position will also be provided. Our founder is always available for questions and feedback. As a trained writer and critic outside of her work with the library, she is also happy to provide mentorship to those interested in music journalism and its intersections with archival work. Interns are eligible to receive a certificate of completion and/or academic credit, and will also receive a $500 stipend at the end of the internship
Responsibilities Entail:
– Sourcing and assessing new materials for the collection.
– Identifying gaps in scholarship and resources within the library’s collection.
– Permanently archiving webpages on Archive.is and Dropbox.
– Screening and directing queries from the general public and scholars to our founder.
– Assisting with other special projects if availability allows.
Desired Skills:
– Must be dependable and punctual.
– Ability to work independently as well as closely with a small team.
– Computer skills, including proficiency in Google Docs, Google Sheets, Dropbox and workplace productivity tools such as Slack and Trello.
– Experience using advanced search tools and familiarity with research databases (Google Scholar, JSTOR, EBSCO, ProQuest, etc.) are desired, but not necessary.
– Proven passion for Black music history and knowledge of notable movements in the field a must. Previous study of niche genres or artists a big plus.
How to Apply:
To apply, please email us at hello@blackmusiclibrary.com and reference the role’s title in your subject line. Submit a brief cover letter detailing your general availability and why you would like to work with BMHL. If applicable, please include details of any relevant music, research or curatorial experience.
