Volunteer Intern, Temple Israel Library, Boston, MA
Posted February 5, 2016
Winter/Spring 2016
A library intern in the Dr. Arnold L. Segel Library Center of Temple Israel, Boston, will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of a small library. Interns are also encouraged to see our library as a laboratory for trying out new things, that may succeed or not, but ultimately, will be learning experiences.
The two main projects for this session will be:
- Hacking and transforming the library: I’m looking for someone to help me re-vision the library so that what we do and what it looks like responds better to our community and to the realities of a 21st century world.
- Assisting with weeding the collection and organizing the withdrawn books for a used book sale in the spring.
The intern will also have the opportunity to work independently, and to assist the librarian in all/some of the following areas, depending on interest and time:
- Shelving
- Cataloging
- Staffing circulation desk
- Responding to reference inquiries
- Marketing the library via social networking and other media
- Creating pathfinders on a variety of subjects
- Grant research
- The librarian will be teaching a class to adults on the topic of The Films of Aviva Kempner, http://jwa.org/exhibits/dc/kempner-aviva and may ask the intern for assistance in the preparation of this class
- The intern could possibly shadow the librarian at meetings with patrons and staff
- Assist the librarian with book groups
- Other projects that interest the intern
Qualifications: Good interpersonal skills, as there is a good deal of interaction with patrons and other staff. Enthusiasm for working in a library; interest in Judaica and/or special libraries.
There is no requirement re: coursework. Background in Jewish studies not required, but a plus; knowledge of Hebrew not required, but a plus. Sense of humor a plus.
Please send a cover letter and resume to: Ann Abrams, Librarian [email protected] by February 17, 2016.
The internship will begin on March 1, or sooner, if possible.
Minimum hours required: 3 hours per week for 3 months, days/hours are flexible, with the possibility of up to 10 hours per week. We’ll have a one month trial period to make sure this is a good fit for both parties.
Temple Israel’s website: www.tisrael.org