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Library Intern, The Institute Library, New Haven, CT

Posted November 12, 2015

Background, Mission, and Focus

The Institute Library is an historic membership library located in New Haven’s Ninth Square Historic District. Founded in 1826 by eight young apprentice laborers, and coeducational by 1835, the Library’s historic mission is “mutual assistance in the attainment of useful knowledge.” It is one of 16 remaining member-supported libraries in the United States, and the only such library in Connecticut.

In 2011, the Library turned from its 100-year inward focus and recommitted itself to the educational and cultural life of New Haven through new on-site programs and community outreach. Today, the Library hosts innovative programs including interviews, classes, a gallery, and literature discussions, and is a home for community members from high school students, to retirees, to the 21st century nomadic worker who needs a quiet place to plug in a laptop and do research. The Institute Library uses a unique cataloging system and maintains a card catalog. It is currently engaged in a long-term campaign focused on the preservation, accessibility, and sustainability of its 137-year-old building.

Our Culture

The Institute Library is an old organization that is learning its way in the modern non-profit, educational world. We combine a love of history and old technologies with a drive to reach today’s passionate learners and explorers. To ensure our organization thrives for another 190 years, we must be a creative community that is committed to action and problem solving, and we must build our community. If you are a person who values history, likes learning, and enjoys working with and empowering volunteers, then you will find a rewarding internship experience with the Institute Library.

Position

The Institute Library is seeking a Library Intern to work with the Executive Director, who oversees the facility, programs, and fundraising of the organization. The volunteer Intern will learn programming and library skills while helping the Institute Library accomplish its mission, specifically with regard to literature, literacy, and its collection.

Educational/Professional Benefits

Orientation, training, and a network of resources are provided to the Intern.

  • Learning and implementing practical skills at one of the best non-profits in New Haven
  • Networking and exposure to non-profit work
  • Networking with professional librarians who serve on the Institute Library’s Professional Council, and who serve as a resource to the Intern
  • Being part of an historic organization and library team
  • A great letter of recommendation/reference (upon completion of fulfilled duties)
  • Helping to build a powerful literature program serve a diverse population
  • Improved/increased skillset

Required Education and Experience

Enrollment in or completion of a library or MLIS program/degree. Coursework or specialization in cataloging and/or archiving preferred. Minimum of 1 year of experience in an office or professional setting.

Position Focus and Essential Duties:

The Institute Library’s needs are subject to change, but presently we seek a Library Intern to work independently and/or assist the Executive Director, Library Administrator, Board of Directors, Library volunteers and other staff regarding the following initiatives:

  • Literacy. Organize and facilitate a once-a-month book group.
  • Acquisitions. Work with the Executive Director and Book Committee to select new acquisitions via donations and/or acquisitions budget.
  • Deaccession. Work with the Executive Director and Book Committee to form a deaccession policy, and implement the policy with respect to portions of the Library’s collection.
  • Digitization. In order to help the Library achieve its long-term goal of voluntary compliance with the ADA, we are seeking out the help of a detail oriented, self-sufficient intern to help make the Institute Library’s collection more widely searchable and accessible. Assist in digitizing our unique collection, using online cataloging tool LibraryThing or TinyCat. Coordinate volunteers to accomplish same.

Required Skills and Abilities

The Intern must demonstrate the following skills, experience, and expertise:

  • Ability to work collaboratively with Institute Library staff and fellow volunteers to achieve organizational goals
  • Willingness to take ownership over designated projects and work independently
  • Commitment to learning and a willingness to participate in training when needed
  • Motivation to problem-solve and self-teach as necessary
  • Proficiency with MS Office, Google Docs, Dropbox, and e-mail
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills – both written and verbal
  • Knowledge of, and interest in, New Haven and Connecticut history and a general interest library
  • Familiarity with online programs preferred: Library Thing, MailChimp, Eventbrite, and web-based events calendars

Work Commitment

The Intern will work a minimum of 5 hours per week for a minimum of one semester but preferably for one year.

Please send a cover letter and resume to Executive Director, Natalie Elicker, [email protected] with “Internship” in the subject line.

Opportunities for Current Students