Research Room Internship, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Boston MA
Posted July 11, 2013
Interns in the Research Room at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library assist professional reference staff in responding to research requests for textual (paper-based) archival collections. The intern’s primary responsibility will be answering reference requests from off-site researchers, including anyone from scholars to publishers to the general public, and covering a wide range of topics. Interns also support other aspects of textual reference work including preservation, database management, digitization, interlibrary loan, and other duties as necessary. The internship requires excellent research ability and customer service skills; interest in learning new subjects and technologies; initiative to start new research requests; and a strong commitment to public service.
In the course of their duties, interns will learn to use digital resources such as the online digital archives at JFKLibrary.org, and the library’s digital asset management system, Documentum. Interns will learn to handle and provide access to original paper-based archival materials; efficiently navigate an archive of over 300 textual collections (including the Ernest Hemingway collection); and balance on-site and remote requests in a busy research room. Reference interns may also work on special projects depending on the intern’s interest and the archives’ needs.
Candidates must be US citizens currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, preferably in archival studies, history, or public history. Interns will receive a monthly stipend of $1,400 (full time, 5 days/week) or $560 (part time, 2 days/week), paid on the 15th of the month. Summer internships start August 15th and end December 13th. There may be the possibility to re-apply for an internship for the winter-spring semester. The archives are open Monday through Friday. A commitment of at least two days a week is required.
Applications will be accepted through July 19, 2013. To apply, please send in the following documents:
a. Completed Intern Application Form
b. Unofficial College Transcript
c. Letter of Recommendation
d. Cover Letter
e. Résumé
These can be sent as pdf attachments to [email protected] or mailed to Research Room, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum, Columbia Point, Boston, MA 02125. Please include your name and the posting number in the subject line of your email; include the posting number in the address of the letter. Cover letters should also reference the posting number.