Archives and Records Management Intern: Artwork Documentation

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. We cannot imagine life without art; it inspires and connects us every day. Now more than ever, these connections matter and are aligned with our values.

Inclusive: We strive to be a museum of many voices in dialogue.

Passionate: We believe working with art is more than a job or trusteeship - it's a way of life.

Brave: We are committed to approaching our work with courage and a sense of adventure, always ready to explore new perspectives.

Empathic: We aim to act like a person, not an institution.

SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore, support, and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think, view the world, and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy, nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose—where difference is seen as a strength, and every one is appreciated for their whole self.

Schedule: Fall 2026, duration based on school schedule, at least 3 hours per week, fully onsite

This is an unpaid internship – applicant must provide proof for receiving school credit.

Archives and Records Management

The SFMOMA Archives collects, preserves, and provides reference access to the records that document the curatorial, educational, and administrative activities of the museum. The SFMOMA Archives houses the institutional records of the museum dating back to 1935. The department is also responsible for the museum’s Records Management Program. In this capacity, the Archives staff develops strategies, plans policies, and implements guidelines to ensure the orderly transfer and disposition of museum documentation so that the museum's historical record is complete.

Position Description

The Archives and Records Management internship aims to provide the intern with a well-rounded experience and offers them an opportunity to learn more about the archives and information science professions. The intern will work one-on-one with Archivist/Records Manager to continue a pilot project focused on centralizing access and contribution to artwork-related documentation for objects accessioned into the museum’s art collection. The intern will survey and inventory incoming born-digital documents, upload and describe documents into the museum’s digital asset management system and ensure incoming information about the object is reflected in the collection management system.

Project Plan

Get to know the SFMOMA Archives & Records Management Department

Learn about the archives’ role and collections, particularly as it relates to artwork documentation

Meet the team and learn about each person’s role and path to SFMOMA

Learn about museum object filesLearn about what constitutes an object record, and the history and current use of object files at SFMOMABecome familiar with who contributes to object records and for what purposes

Receive training on the various systems and workflows where museum object information and documentation are created and accessedLearn about the systems and repositories that hold object information and assets: collections management system, digital asset management system, SharePoint, and Network Drive locationsUnderstand how they all connect and how one will be using all those tools to preserve and provide broader access to object documentationLearn how to digitize archival materials

Compile digital object filesProduce inventories and file maps for object filesPrepare files for upload into digital asset management systemUpload and describe files in the digital asset management system, and link them to the collections management systemDraft new and/or update standards and procedures for collecting, organizing, uploading, and describing digital object records

By the end of the internship, the Archives & Records Management intern will have:  Completed a metrics report and a project summary of their workCreated and/updated procedural documentation on archives, collections information, and digital asset management standards and processesGained experience in records management, processing, collections information management, and digital asset management in a museum contextExplored the integrated workflows within the Archives and Art Resources Department and the department with Curatorial, Registration, Conservation, Collections Management, Project Management, and AdministrationIncreased intellectual control of records with enduring historical value

Educational Objectives