About Fahrenheit
Fahrenheit is an independent research library. We digitize public domain collections held on paper and microform in libraries and archives, and make them freely available for research and education. Most of what humanity has recorded is still not online. We are working to change that.
Digitizing the public domain creates a public good, but too little funding supports this work. Vast collections remain undigitized and locked in stacks, limiting who can use them and what can be discovered. Technology companies and AI labs stand to benefit enormously from these materials. We believe public-private partnerships can turn that shared interest into funding for digitization, with free access for research and education as a condition of the work.
The role
You will lead Fahrenheit’s digitization work in Washington, DC: advising on which public collections we should digitize, bringing on digitization associates and research interns, and scanning alongside them.
What you will do
- Identify and advise on public domain collections in the Washington area worth digitizing.
- Bring on and coordinate a team of digitization associates and research interns.
- Conduct scanning yourself and set the standard for careful handling and quality.
- Work courteously with staff at the libraries and archives that hold these collections.
What we are looking for
- Research experience with archival or special collections, as a scholar, librarian, archivist, or serious independent researcher.
- You have coordinated people and schedules before.
- Organized, careful, and comfortable around fragile materials.
- Based in or willing to relocate to the Washington, DC area.
How to apply
Fill out the short application. If we think there’s a fit, we’ll be in touch within a week to schedule an interview.