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 fall quarter 2025 employment is September 26, 2025.
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).
Three positions available.
Position Descriptions
Processing or archival experience is not required for the positions below.
Processing scholar: Buddy Collette papers
Project duration: Two quarters
William Marcel “Buddy” Collette (1921-2010) was an American jazz musician, playing the flute, saxophone and clarinet. A founding member of the Chico Hamilton Quintet, Collette’s interest in music began in high school and extended into his military service in the U.S. Navy during WWII. After serving as a band leader in the U.S. Navy, Collette was a band member for the Groucho Marx television and radio program You Bet Your Life and a session musician collaborating with Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Nat King Cole. Materials include sheet music, ephemera, audiovisual materials, etc.
Desired skills: Knowledge of and interest in music and music history, BIPOC communities and cultures.
Processing scholar: Sandy Gooch papers
Project duration: Two quarters
Sandy Gooch is the founder of Mrs. Gooch’s Natural Food Markets, a chain of supermarkets dedicated to natural foods and health-related products. Due to a life-threatening reaction to food chemicals, Gooch was forced to eliminate all additives from her diet. Struggling to find options, Mrs. Gooch opened a natural food market in Los Angeles, the largest of its kind. This action propelled Sandy Gooch to become the first woman to open a supermarket chain the United States. Success and sustainable, clean product offerings expanded the business and in 1993 Mrs. Gooch’s was acquired by Whole Foods Markets, Inc. Materials include photography, business records, brochures, advertisements, artwork, etc.
Desired skills: Knowledge of and interest in entrepreneurship, food studies, feminism, Los Angeles communities and cultures.
Processing scholar: Metadata Survey and Analysis
Project duration: Two quarters
This opportunity centers around surveying and analyzing collection metadata across Library Special Collections archival materials. Applying a wholistic approach to gain intellectual control of a wide variety of collections in various sizes and states of stabilization, tasks could include data surveying and alignment across platforms and data sets, assisting with data wrangling, assigning processing status and management of archival collection data. Reappraisal of collection materials may also be included.
Desired skills: Knowledge of and interest in gaining familiarity and experience in collection management from the metadata and intellectual control perspective.
Processing scholar (three positions available, $28 hourly)
Processing scholars gain hands-on training in the appraisal, preservation, arrangement and description of unprocessed archival collections. Scholars work with LSC Archivists to set priorities for processing and apply flexible and efficient processing techniques to surface hidden collections. During the project, scholars will develop familiarity with archival and library standards such as EAD, DACS, MARC, LCSH and LCNAF and work with archival content management systems such as ArchivesSpace. A commitment of two quarters is mandatory. In your application materials, please identify the specific collection you are interested in and provide information on your applicable skills and expertise.
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.
