DOCUMENTATION PROJECT ASSISTANT Temporary post: 11.

66 per hour, for total of 30 days (210 hours) The Museum of Domestic Design & Architecture (MoDA) is part of Middlesex University. (See www.moda.mdx.ac.uk or http://modamuseum.blogspot.com for more details). We have a large collection of interesting and visually appealing books, yet despite being catalogued they are not very visible and hence are underused by students and other researchers. This project involves writing or updating captions for up to around 100 key objects, for a web audience, in accordance with MoDAs writing for the web guidelines. The focus of the work will be on showcasing aspects of MoDAs collections which will be of interest to Graphics and Illustration students, and will therefore focus the best/most interesting examples of bookcover design, illustration and graphic material within MoDAs collections. Person Specification We are looking for someone who can demonstrate excellent skills and experience in the following areas: An interest in, and knowledge of art/design history, specifically book design, illustration and graphics An enthusiasm for making this material accessible and interesting to a HE audience An awareness of and interest in the issues around preparing content for websites. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Attention to detail and a methodical approach. Time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks in order to complete project within allocated time Ability to work independently and use own initiative. Computer literacy: MS Office, MS Outlook etc

Desirable skills & experience: Experience of writing for a web audience. Familiarity with Museum Index + or similar museum databases

Background to the project MoDA has recently undergone a shift in the way the museum works and the way in which the collections are presented to the public. The most obvious change is that we now make the collections available Online, On Tour and On Request. In addition, the move to Beaufort Park has signalled a shift in our approach to one which places more emphasis on the collections as a visual resource for students and other users. This is partly in greater recognition of our role as a resource

for Middlesex students (particularly those within Art & Design) and students and researchers from other HE institutions. We see establishing better links with Illustration and Graphics as a key strategic aim, since these students account for about 20% of the total within Art & Design. We therefore wish to improve the way the illustrated books are presented on our new website, in order to make students aware that the resource exists. By making this aspect of the collections more visible online it is anticipated that the use of the Study Room by students on these courses will increase significantly. MoDAs new website should be launched by mid March. The new website will be more visual, more browsable and more attractive to students than previously, and it will put the collections at centre stage. We aim to have at least one online exhibition featured on the new website when it launches, as well as a selection of browsable themes which provide highlights from the collections. However, the intention is that the contents of the website should not be static: we need to ensure that we keep the contents of the website fresh, and continually improve the records that are presented, both in terms of quality and quantity. We see continuous improvement of MoDAs online resources as a key part of the way in which MoDA can contribute to the student experience at Middlesex, and make a positive contribution to the wider Higher Education community. Post details This is an hourly paid, temporary post. You will receive 11.66 per hour for a total of 30 days (210 hours), which must be completed between May and June 2012 (exact days to be agreed). You will be responsible for writing new captions for an agreed number of items, in order to develop 1 or 2 new online exhibitions, with content specifically aimed at a student audience. You will be managed by the Head of Collections but will be expected to work largely on your own without supervision. Timetable Applications (CV and covering letter, by email only please to Zoe Hendon z.hendon@mdx.ac.uk) by 1st April 2012 Interviews to take place on 4th April 2012 Work to start early May, and to be completed by end of June 2012.

Museum of Domestic Design & Architecture MoDA Collections Centre Middlesex University 9 Boulevard Drive, Beaufort Park London, NW9 5HF www.moda.mdx.ac.uk The Museum of Domestic Design & Architecture: Online, On Tour & On Request