Center for Primary Research and Training (CFPRT)
The Center for Primary Research and Training (CFPRT) is a program within UCLA Library Special Collections. It was launched in 2004 with a generous lead gift from the Ahmanson Foundation. The center seeks graduate students from a variety of academic disciplines and pairs them with archives and special collections projects that match their expertise and interests. The CFPRT’s central purpose is to equip emerging scholars with skills that will enable them to effectively utilize primary sources in their future careers.
Since its inception, the CFPRT has employed over 200 students to carry out a diverse range of projects. Scholars have processed archival collections, conducted oral histories, created original research projects, digitized and created metadata for archival resources, collaborated on digital humanities projects, and contributed to departmental outreach initiatives through student-led events, exhibits, blog posts, and public presentations. This important work has made some of UCLA Library’s most valuable resources widely discoverable and ready for use by the research community.
The CFPRT is committed to cultivating a welcoming space for students to work collaboratively and creatively, actively and critically participate in the archival process, and engage with primary sources in innovative ways.
Center for Primary Research and Training Graduate Student Positions
Purpose
The CFPRT integrates primary source materials more fully into the teaching and research mission of the university by providing hands-on experience for UCLA students, while enhancing access to special collections materials. Working in the CFPRT allows students to gain experience with primary sources and receive compensation at a rate competitive with similar on-campus employment options. The CFPRT was launched with a generous lead gift from the Ahmanson Foundation.
Eligibility
Applications are welcome from enrolled UCLA graduate students of any academic discipline.
Terms
The CFPRT hires on a quarterly basis, 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-Friday between the hours of 9am-5pm, and are paid $19.54 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 (1) the availability of projects related to a candidate’s academic background and subject expertise (2) the candidate’s expressed desire to work with primary source materials to enhance their research, writing, and/or library skills (3) 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.
Positions for this quarter have been filled.
Five Short Films about the Center
The UCLA Library has released five short films documenting the history of the center and highlighting four student projects:
Treasures of the UCLA Library: Colonial Mexican Manuscripts (part two of five)
Treasures of the UCLA Library: Cuneiform Tablets (part three of five)
Treasures of the UCLA Library: African American Collections (part four of five)
Treasures of the UCLA Library: Near Eastern Manuscripts (part five of five)
Written, directed, and produced by Erin Flannery, the films have been made possible with support from the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, Irving and Jean Stone Endowment, and University Librarian Discretionary Fund.
