Originally published on the Arts Co-op Program website
Each year, the Arts Co-op Program recognizes a Master of Archival Studies co-op student for outstanding achievement in all aspects of student performance including academics, workplace, contribution to co-operative education and extra-curricular activities. This year’s winner, Daniel Collins, was honoured for his work term at the Arts Club Theatre Company due to his excellent performance. Following his co-op term, Daniel accepted a contract to continue working with the Arts Club. Daniel’s supervisor, Vanessa Richards, says his “excellent work … exceeded our expectations to manage the scope of the project.”
Excellence in the Workplace
As an Archivist at the Arts Club Theatre Company, Daniel worked on best practices for collecting, collating and presenting a special collection online and in exhibition. Some of his responsibilities included digitizing analog material into digital form and creating and managing metadata for a digital archive.
Daniel’s tasks were wide-ranging due to the enormity of the project. His work greatly contributed to the Arts Club Theatre’s successful launch of its online archive that showcases 50 years of its productions. Daniel’s supervisor, Vanessa Richards, says “Dan’s capacity to coordinate, inspire and communicate have positioned the Arts Club Theatre Company to enhance our leadership in the cultural industries and deepen our service to theatre enthusiasts, artists and producers.”
Daniel applied his knowledge of current database design, content management, and digital preservation practices, learned through his Master of Archival Studies coursework, to the Arts Club Theatre collection. Daniel’s studies and co-op terms have inspired him to pursue a career as a digital archivist.
Daniel gained insight into what employers look for when hiring, and gives thanks to the Arts Co-op office for his resume, cover letter and interviewing training. When asked what advice he has for students considering the Co-op program, Daniel says “you will never have an experience with co-op that is not in some way beneficial to you going forward as an archivist or librarian.” He also says that he has been a part of “something special” with the Arts Club Theatre and recommends Arts Co-op because “a work term could be a life changing experience.”
