More Information
About the Center for Primary Research and Training (CFPRT)
The Center for Primary Research and Training (CFPRT) is a UCLA Library Special Collections (LSC) program designed to equip emerging scholars with skills to use primary sources effectively. The center pairs graduate students from various academic fields with projects that match their expertise.
Since its creation in 2004 — funded by a generous gift from The Ahmanson Foundation — the CFPRT has employed over 200 students. These scholars have processed archival collections, conducted oral histories, curated digital exhibits and contributed to departmental outreach efforts. This important work has made some of the Library’s most valuable resources widely discoverable.
The CFPRT is committed to creating a welcoming space for students to work collaboratively, actively take part in the archival process and engage with primary sources.
Eligibility
Eligibility
Applications are welcome from enrolled UCLA graduate students of any academic discipline.
Terms
The CFPRT hires every quarter, as needed.
- During the academic year, students may work up to 19 hours/week with all campus jobs combined (ASUCLA included)
- CFPRT scholars can work Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m
- CFPRT scholars are paid $28.00 per hour
- A commitment of at least 12 hours/week is required
Review Process
CFPRT positions are awarded on a competitive basis. Applications will be evaluated based on the following:
- The availability of projects related to a candidate’s academic background and subject expertise
- The candidate’s expressed desire to work with primary source materials to enhance their research, writing and library skills
- The candidate’s general level of achievement
Strong candidates will be
contacted shortly after submitting their application to arrange an
interview and discuss potential projects. Applicants will be notified of
their status by email. No phone calls, please.
Center for Primary Research and Training (CFPRT) Student Scholar Positions
The Center for Primary Research and Training (CFPRT) seeks applications from UCLA graduate students for positions that will provide first-hand experience working with archives and special collections material. CFPRT scholars may work up to 19 hours per week during the academic year, Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and are paid $28 per hour. A minimum of 12 hours per week is strongly encouraged.
Application deadline for spring quarter 2026 employment is March 6, 2026.
To be considered for positions, please send a current resume and statement of interest, including position title, to speccoll-cfprt@library.ucla.edu(opens in a new tab).
One position available.
Position Description
Processing or archival experience is not required for the position below.
Born-Digital Processing Scholar: V. Vale Collection of Search and Destroy and RE/Search Publications records
Project duration: Two quarters
V. Vale is an influential San Francisco-based publisher, writer, musician and artist who brought to greater public prominence the eccentricities and personalities of punk, underground and alternative subcultures. He was born in 1944 in a Japanese internment camp in Jerome, Arkansas to the actor Conrad Yama (Kiyoshi Conrad Hamanaka) and Mary Takaoka of the vaudeville trio the Taka Sisters. In 1980, Vale met Andrea Juno and together they launched RE/Search Publications, evolving from Vale’s earlier punk zine Search and Destroy, as the punk scene grew in popularity. RE/Search became known for its documentation of underground movements — including body modification, industrial culture and zine communities — as well as its engagement with countercultural literary figures. While the archival manuscript collection has been processed, this project will focus on the born-digital components. Materials include optical discs, floppy disks, EZ drives and Jaz drives containing project files and administrative records.
Desired skills: Knowledge of and interest in born-digital archival materials, California independent publishing and zine cultures, and punk communities of color.
Treasures of the UCLA Library
The Library has released Treasures of the UCLA Library, five short films documenting the history of the CFPRT and highlighting four student projects.
Resources
Part 1: Story of the Center for Primary Research and Training
Part 2: Colonial Mexican Manuscripts
Part 3: Cuneiform Tablets
Part 4: African American Collections
Part 5: Near Eastern Manuscripts
Treasures of the UCLA Library was written, directed and produced by Erin Flannery. The films were made possible through support from the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, Irving and Jean Stone Endowment and University Librarian Discretionary Fund.
