The Sheridan Libraries encompass The Milton S. Eisenhower Library and its collections at the Albert D. Hutzler Reading Room, John Work Garrett Library, and George Peabody Library at Mt. Vernon Place.

Helen Ohrenschall Book and Paper Conservation Internship

The Sheridan Libraries, Johns Hopkins University

The Helen Ohrenschall Book and Paper Conservation Internship Program is made possible through the generosity of Susan O. Baxter and John Ohrenschall in honor of their mother, Helen Ohrenschall, and her committment to special collections’ conservation.    

The Internship is intended to provide firsthand experience and broad understanding of the care and treatment of special collections and archival materials in an academic library.  The Intern will work collaboratively with other conservators on a range of projects including production leaf casting; humidification and flatting of paper or vellum on a suction table; stain reduction; aqueous treatments; encapsulating fragile materials; creating custom enclosures; repair of leather bindings; and assisting in exhibition preparation, design, and installation.  Interns will also be given the opportunity to pursue related areas of interest to them as available and will have the opportunity to visit other conservation labs in the Baltimore-Washington area.

The Intern will be asked to prepare a visual presentation to the library, such as a Power Point presentation, on a project they have worked on during the course of their program.

Eligibility and Requirements:

Anyone currently enrolled at an advanced level in a recognized conservation program or an apprenticeship program or individuals with four or more years of equivalent experience and training in book or paper conservation is eligible.  Applicants must be familiar with conservation and preservation principles, conservation treatments and must possess the ability to work both collaboratively and independently.  

Applicants must commit to four consecutive months of full-time work or a schedule that is mutually agreeable.  The Internship provides a stipend.

Qualified applicants who are interested in the Internship should submit a letter of application expressing why they are interested in this opportunity, letters of support from instructors or practitioners, a resume showing education, or relevant experience and training, and a sample portfolio of treatments they have mastered. Applications are received year long.  Internship periods are flexible.  Successful candidates will be notified by phone or e-mail.  The actual appointment date will be based on discussions with the Director of Preservation and the successful applicant.

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