Undergraduate Anthropology Museum Collections Lab (UAMCL)
Carolyn Smith, Professor
Anthropology
Open. Apprentices needed for the fall semester. Enter your application online beginning August 21st. The deadline to apply is Monday, August 31st, 4pm.
The Undergraduate Anthropology Museum Collections Lab (UAMCL) is a hands-on learning space where UC Berkeley students explore and build skills across all aspects of museum work. Curated by and for the UC Berkeley community, the UAMCL acts as an open resource to expand all University students’ interest in Museum Anthropology via hands-on educational experiences in designing and ethically curating community-based collections and exhibitions.
As the inaugural cohort of URAPs for the UAMCL, students will help develop the learning lab's infrastructure, including designing a public-facing website, developing collection management policies and procedures, and building an inclusive structure that ensures the space truly serves the UC Berkeley community.
Role: Tasks may include: Brainstorming and developing a sitemap for the UAMCL website; designing a social media or outreach strategy; researching and drafting collections management policies and procedures; researching, recommending, and populating a collections management software to catalog the UAMCL's collections; and brainstorming museum workshop topics and exhibitions, as well as a list of potential guest speakers.
Learning outcomes: Students will gain practical experience in key museum functions such as collections management, exhibit design, and policy development. By the end of the apprenticeship, they will have gained a solid understanding of ethical and community-focused museum practices that are developed from the ground up.
Qualifications: Familiarity with or interest in museums, collections, or anthropology is desirable but not essential. Ideal students are curious, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and eager to learn through hands-on collaborative work. Must be able to attend weekly meetings, collaborate with their peers both in person and online, and be able to work independently on UAMCL tasks.
Hours: 3-5 hrs