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Cataloging Intern, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA

Massachusetts Eye and Ear’s Howe Library seeks an MSLIS student for an unpaid cataloging internship.

The original Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Library was established in 1876 with the purchase of a small number of books for the staff. In 1926, Dr. Lucien Howe established the Howe Laboratory for ophthalmic research. This laboratory included an extensive library that soon merged with the Infirmary’s library and was called the Library of the Howe Laboratory of Ophthalmology and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. The otolaryngology section of the library, which had been housed at Massachusetts General Hospital for some years, was merged with the Howe Library in 1949.

Over the years, many staff members have donated their personal book collections, and the library has sought out rare books pertaining to the fields of ophthalmology and otolaryngology. There is an outstanding Rare Book collection of 1,500-plus volumes, with items dating back to the 16th century. The vast majority of the Rare Book collection is not currently in the library OPAC. We would like to get the collection added to our online catalog. A number of the books are written in Latin, German or other foreign languages. Many of them are old enough/rare enough that they will require original cataloging.

Requirements:

  • Current MSLIS student.
  • Must have completed at least an introductory Cataloging class.
  • Ability to perform full MARC copy and original cataloging in OCLC Connexion and then import them into the Library’s CyberTools Integrated Library System.
  • Meticulous attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Professional attire expected.

This internship provides the student with the opportunity to gain valuable copy and original cataloging experience in a unique medical library. Massachusetts Eye and Ear is conveniently located one block from the Charles/MGH station on the Red Line. The intern must commit to 10 hours per week, within the hours of 8:30am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. The intern will report to the Library Director. The internship will continue until the entire Rare Book collection is cataloged and available on the OPAC. 

Please send a resume, cover letter, and names and contact information for three references (one of whom must be the professor from your introductory Cataloging/Information Organization class) to:

Louise Collins DVM, MSLIS

Howe Library Director

Massachusetts Eye and Ear

243 Charles St.

Boston, MA 02114

[email protected]