Junior Fellows Summer Intern Program, Library of Congress, Washington, DC
Posted December 17, 2014
Program Overview
The Library of Congress Junior Fellows Summer Intern Program enables undergraduate and graduate students to experience the integrated analog and digital collections and services of the world’s largest, all-inclusive library. Working under the direction of Library curators and specialists in various divisions, fellows explore digital initiatives and increase access to the institution’s unparalleled collections and resources. Fellows are exposed to a broad spectrum of library work: copyright, preservation, reference, access, and information technology. In the past, summer fellows have identified hundreds of historical, literary, artistic, cinematic and musical gems representing the Library’s rich cultural, creative and intellectual assets. No previous experience is necessary, but fellowships are competitive and special skills or knowledge is usually desired. Selections are based on academic achievement, letters of recommendation, and an interview with a selection official. A list of project opportunities for 2015 is available online.
Program Focus
The focus of the 2015 program is on increasing access to special, legal and copyright collections, and promoting awareness and appreciation of the Library’s services to researchers including Congressional members, scholars, students, teachers, and the general public. Fellows encourage the use of collections and services − ensuring that the Library of Congress is known as a living, dynamic center for scholarly work and connections. Program participants inventory, catalog, arrange, preserve, and research collections in varied formats, as well as assist in digital library initiatives. Upon completion of their assignments, fellows work closely with Library curators and specialists to plan and present a display of their most significant discoveries and accomplishments. The program is made possible through the generosity of the late Mrs. Jefferson Patterson and the Knowledge Navigators Trust Fund. A gift from H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest, chairman emeritus of the Library’s James Madison Council private-sector advisory group, established the Knowledge Navigators Trust Fund, which will bring outstanding talent to the Library to benefit from first-hand interactions with its unparalleled collections, experts and programs and train future leaders for the information age. The goal of Knowledge Navigators is to energize innovation and creativity across all sectors by providing access to an expanding universe of information that is reliable and authentic.
Eligibility
Applicants must be U. S. citizens, currently enrolled in a degree-granting program of study at an accredited institution of higher learning at the undergraduate (college, university, or Tribal College) or graduate levels, or have graduated since August 2014 from an undergraduate or graduate program. Applicants must be a first time intern with the Junior Fellows Summer Intern Program. Program participants from previous years are not eligible to reapply.
Terms
The 2015 summer fellowships begin June 1, 2015 and end August 7, 2015 The comprehensive orientation program scheduled during the first weeks includes training in preservation techniques and instructions for the safe handling of rare materials, many of which date back to the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. Fellows work full-time (40 hours per week), Monday through Friday, and receive a taxable income of $300.00 per week.
Fellows are temporary employees of the Library of Congress and are not eligible for Federal Employee benefits and privileges. However, they are protected by worker’s compensation laws and eligible for a Transit Benefits Program for qualified individuals who use the Metro System, Virginia Railway Express, MARC commuter trains, county and commercial buses, and qualified commercial van pools to commute to their jobs at the Library.
Application Process
Applications for the 2015 Junior Fellows Summer Intern Program are being accepted on USAJobs.gov from December 15, 2014 through January 23, 2015.
Application Deadline
All applications (and supporting documents) must be received by the deadline January 23, 2015, 11:59 PM. Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
Selection Process
Applications will be forwarded to selecting officials in the Library who will arrange telephone interviews with promising applicants, based on materials submitted. After completion of the selection process those selected will be provided with detailed information on reporting for their fellowship.
The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.