Digitization of Emergency Operations Records Pilot Study

The Operations Division, Readiness Branch in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-St. Louis District is a small office with an enormous task--they provide Emergency Operations and Management in support of overseas operations, as well as disaster relief operations around the globe. Because of this important mission, the records held by this office are of critical importance. The Operations division seeks to reformat their hard copy files into electronic formats so they may leverage their knowledge assets while taking advantage of real-time technology currently available. The research project will give the selected participant experience in the digitization of paper/hard copy material into electronic file platforms. The selected participant, under the guidance of the District Knowledge Manager, will aid in the creation of a digitized electronic file system using MS Excel. Final research outcome will be a report of findings on the feasibility of digitizing additional emergency operations records to facilitate their mission.

This is an opportunity to participate in a dynamic environment, learning from professionals in the following fields: electronic archives, records management, knowledge management, and emergency operations and management. This experience will aid the participant in learning digitization methods and platforms.

 

This ORISE appointment is set for a 4 month period. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by USACE. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

A successful candidate should possess strong organizational skills and sound judgment. Must be able to collaborate with multiple people to discover commonalities. Should have familiarity with archival arrangement and description, and the use of scanners and cameras to capture records in multiple formats--paper, conventional photographic materials, and oversize materials. Strong attention to detail is a must. High school diploma or GED equivalency required. Coursework or experience in archives, library studies, history, public history, emergency management, or art history preferred, but not required. Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat Professional and MS Excel is a plus.