Library Summer Internship (Volunteer), Temple Israel Library, Boston, MA
Posted May 12, 2016
Help Me Hack the Library!
Temple Israel Library
477 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Supervisor: Ann Abrams | [email protected]
Starting date: Summer, to be arranged with intern.
Dates: All of June, first three weeks of July, possibly last week of August.
Number of hours per week: Minimum 5 hours per week. Maximum – 20. Schedule can be flexible, within Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00, with possibility of Tuesday evening hours.
Description
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 main projects for the summer 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. This process has started, but I’m very interested in getting a library school student’s input.
- Assisting with weeding the collection and organizing the withdrawn books for a used book sale in the early summer.
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 intern could possibly shadow the librarian at meetings with patrons and staff
- Assist the librarian with book groups.
- Other projects that interest the intern.
We are .7 miles from Simmons, and very close to the Longwood MBTA station, and several other public transport stations/stops. Parking can be arranged during the summer months.
Qualifications
Good interpersonal skills, as there is interaction with patrons and other staff. Enthusiasm for working in a library; interest in Judaica and/or special libraries. The ability to turn on a dime: There may be times when an intern is working on a project and is interrupted by a patron needing assistance. 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, via email, letter of interest and resume, by June 1st, to Ann Abrams, Librarian, [email protected]