Recollection Wisconsin Digitization Initiative: Student Information

We’re partnering with Wisconsin local history organizations around the state to digitize new collections. We’re looking for motivated information school students (that’s YOU!) to complete scanning and metadata work for a Wisconsin local history organization, public library or museum (our host sites!). Completed projects will be publicly accessible in Recollection Wisconsin (that’s US!). It’s a hands-on opportunity to put theory into practice!

Student participants will:

  • be a degree-seeking student enrolled in the UW-Madison iSchool, UW-Milwaukee SOIS or a similar program,
  • receive practicum or independent study credit depending on your program’s requirements,
  • earn a generous stipend ($2,500) and reimbursement for travel expenses (mileage),
  • gain training and experience related to digitization best practices, digital preservation, collection development, and metadata,  
  • attend a program launch and training event, and meet regularly with the Initiative coordinator, 
  • receive an orientation to their host site’s organization and collections, 
  • write basic digitization workflows and project documentation for their host site, and 
  • write at least one blog post about their experience, published on the Recollection Wisconsin website. 
  • receive weekly curriculum to support digital project work

Ideal participants will have had at least one course or some experience in digital curation or preservation, archives work, collection development or project management. Some students will likely travel to their host site to complete this project work. We welcome students enrolled in either in-person or online programs.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

The application period for spring 2026 has closed! Check back in early 2026 for information about future opportunities.

Application timeline

  • Sept 17: Application period open for spring 2026
  • Sept 17-Oct 31: Application period + ongoing interviews w/new applicants
  • Oct 31: Application period closed
  • Nov 15: Placements/matches made, participants notified
  • Nov 30: Participation agreement signed and project planning worksheet completed
  • January: Immersion Workshop (date TBD)
  • Jan 20: spring 2026 cohort begins

Information for students [printable PDF]

Questions? Contact Vicki Tobias (vicki@wils.org). JOIN US!

Each project and host site placement is different. For more insight into their experience, hear from our most recent student interns: