AMIA PATHWAYS 2025 INTERNSHIP

The AMIA Pathways Fellowship is designed to provide hands-on experience and mentorship to individuals interested in pursuing careers in audiovisual archiving and preservation. The Audio Mechanics Internship offers a unique opportunity to work with a DA-88 collection from the UCLA Film & Television Archive, gaining practical experience in cataloging, archival practices, and digital sound preservation.

OVERVIEW

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented intern to focus on the cataloging, inspection, repair, digital transfer, and quality control (QC) of a DA-88 collection. The intern will work closely with archivists and technicians to ensure the preservation and accessibility of this important audio collection.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Cataloging

• Assist in creating detailed metadata and catalog records for the collection.
• Document the physical condition, content, and technical specifications of each tape.
• Organize and maintain accurate records of the collection.

Inspection

• Inspect tapes for physical damage, mold, or other preservation concerns.
• Evaluate the condition of tape shells, reels, and labels.
• Identify tapes that require repair or special handling.

Repair

• Perform basic repairs on tapes, such as splicing damaged tape or replacing broken shells.
• Clean and maintain playback equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with tape playback.

Digital Transfer

• Operate playback equipment to transfer analog audio content to digital formats.
• Follow best practices for digitization, including proper handling of tapes and adherence to archival standards.
• Monitor and adjust transfer settings to ensure high-quality audio output.

Quality Control (QC)

• Review digitized audio files to ensure accuracy and fidelity to the original recordings.
• Identify and document any anomalies, such as dropouts, distortion, or synchronization issues.
• Perform edits or corrections as needed to improve the quality of the digital files.

Collaboration and Documentation

• Work closely with archivists and technicians to prioritize tasks and meet project goals.
• Maintain detailed logs of all activities, including repairs, transfers, and QC results.
• Contribute to project reports and summaries as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Interest in audio technology, mechanics, and/or audiovisual preservation.
• Basic understanding of analog and digital audio formats,
• Basic familiarity with audio digitization processes and quality control practices is helpful.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills.
• Experience with audio repair tools and equipment is a plus.

Learning Outcomes

• Gain hands-on experience with DA-88 tapes and playback equipment.
• Develop skills in cataloging, inspection, repair, and digitization of archival audio materials.
• Learn about archival standards and best practices for audio preservation.
• Build a professional network within the audiovisual archiving community.
• Receive mentorship from experienced professionals at Audio Mechanics.

APPLICATION

Please submit the following materials on here. Application will include –

• Current resume or CV.
• Brief cover letter outlining your interest in the internship and relevant experience.
• Contact information for two professional or academic references.

Join us in preserving the sounds of history and gaining invaluable experience in the field of audiovisual archiving! This internship offers a unique opportunity to work with a significant DA-88 collection and contribute to its long-term preservation and accessibility.

Equal Opportunity Statement. Audio Mechanics is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all participants in the AMIA Pathways Fellowship Program.