Resource Center, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi ▶️

Internship Description

Available intern projects include, but are not limited to (a) processing archival collections; (b) digitizing audiovisual, oral history, and manuscript collections and helping to move them online; (c) transcribing oral histories; (d) cataloging books, AV materials, oral histories, and archival collections in the online catalog; and (e) working on preservation and protection of fragile materials. Interns will also gain experience in the everyday work of a specialized library in the nonprofit sector, including providing reference or other types of assistance to researchers and other visitors.

Library/Collection Description

The Tokioka Heritage Resource Center at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i provides public access to a repository of resources that support JCCH’s mission to educate present and future generations about the evolving Japanese American experience in Hawai‘i.

Resources include:

• Books: over 5,000 titles in English and Japanese.
• Primary source materials: archival collections such as manuscripts, diaries, letters, oral history transcripts, and historic photos.
• Periodicals: print and digital back issues of the Hawai‘i Herald newspaper.
• Audiovisual materials: a large collection of phonograph records featuring Japanese music popular among Japanese Americans in Hawai‘i before, during, and just after World War II.
• Fragile or rare books, archival documents, and other primary source materials are stored in closed stacks and accessed under supervision.

Required Qualifications

LIS 601 Introduction to Reference & Information Services

Desired Qualifications

We hope to find a self-driven, independent individual who can collaborate with a team of volunteers. An interest in archival collections and coursework in archival management is preferred, and familiarity with Japanese American history in Hawaiʻi and Japanese language ability are ideal but not required. The internship involves some physical activity, including sitting, walking, reaching, and occasionally lifting or moving materials (typically up to 25–50 pounds). Reasonable accommodations can be made to support individuals with disabilities.

Weekly Schedule

The intern’s schedule is flexible but must be scheduled when the Resource Center is open. Tuesday – Saturday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Goals and Outcomes

Gain real-world experience in the setting of a small specialized library in the nonprofit sector, along with specialized experience specific to the project the student undertakes. We hope students will gain professional awareness and personal passion and satisfaction from preserving our cultural heritage and promoting it to many types of users. The Resource Center expects the intern to take part in the day-to-day activity of the Center as well as the completion of a specific project as determined at the beginning of the internship.

Evaluation Methods

Final evaluation will be performed using the standard LIS 690 evaluation form and additional feedback.

Evaluation Schedule

Informal weekly meetings to check on progress, field questions and concerns.

Contact Information