In response to Ed Lambert's suggestion re: federal Work-Study Program. My organization depends on it. We have had a number of successful arrangements with out-of-state College Finanacial Aid Depts. as we work together to set up Work-Study stations, out-of-state as well as at the local universities. (Princeton, Hiram College, Kenyon College, University of Michigan, Gannon University, Edinboro University, etc.) We are aggressively seeking talented, mature students interested in a diversity of work responsibilities, who are able to meet the financial criteria of the Federal Work Study Program. EXAMPLES FOR THIS SUMMER Work-study position. In an active, growing regional Library & Archives, at the Erie History Center, located in NW PA, part of Discovery Square complex of the ExperiERIEnce Children's Museum and the Erie Art Museum. Under the supervision of Librarian & Archivist, work with collection of c. 1600 City Building Inspector's Office Architectural Plans and Drawings at the History Center. Perform some preventative preservation techniques; set up database, analyze and abstract data from already prepared data sheets; prepare finding aid utilizing database information; prepare information for PR and in-house brochure for distribution to patrons. Work-study position. Under supervision of the Librarian & Archivist, perform final preparation steps on large archival collection of family papers. Good analytical skills, ability to abstract, organize, type. Important collection for the organization and research community locally. Work-study position. Under supervision of Librarian & Archivist, perform preservation and marking procedures on Robert J. MacDonald Great Lakes Maritime Collection, which consists of 10,000 prints, c. 6,000 negatives, c. 2,000 postcards, c. 2500 slides, c. 80 objects, and 300 books. Work-study position. Battles Museums of Rural Life. Under supervision of the Director of Interpretation, conduct research for programming, assist in staffing two house museums, covering active program of events and activities. Provide support to Director of Interpretation with other tasks as needed. Diverse skills and responsibilities. Sites include the C. Elizabeth Battles Museum, Battles Bank Museum and the "Yellow House". PA Work-Study is a 90% 10% (organization) financial arrangement. There is also an internship program in PA which is 50% 50% (too expensive for us.) Other states have different %s, and sometimes substantially different rates of pay. Another source not to be overlooked is the Community Services/Probation Department. Screening is of critical importance to the success of this arrangement. It depends on the quality of screening procedures, and the background of the individual being considered. Careful supervision is expected. EXAMPLES Shelf building; cleaning sites; care of restored historic garden; city directory research; preparation of lists in the accessioning process; data input. (NOTE:This program worked much better after I became more "hard-nosed" as a supervisor.) We have a very small staff with rapidly growing collections and program. We have had to think creatively to meet our goals and provide a good learning environment. For anyone interested in the above described Work Study positions, see your Financial Aid Office first to see if you qualify. Please contact me if you would like to be considered. Annita Andrick [log in to unmask] Librarian & Archivist Erie History Center 419 State Street Erie, PA 16501 phone: (814)454-1813 FAX: (814)452-1744