Intern, Upper Dublin Public Library, Fort Washington, PA

Posted February 19, 2018

Upper Dublin Public Library

 

Address:  805 Loch Alsh Ave, Fort Washington, PA  19034,

Phone:  215-628-8744, Web:  www.udpl.org

“This internship has given me a great deal more insight into the world of public libraries.  With everything I’ve done, I have been able to connect what I have been learning in the classroom with on-the-job realities.” –Past UDPL Public Library Intern

Position: Public Library Intern

 

Internship Dates and Hours

Position available June 4-August 10, 2018, approximately 25 hours a week minimum.  Hours to be determined but preference will be given to candidates with the following availability:  Mon-Tues.:  9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wed. & Thurs:  5-9 p.m.; and Fri.: 10-5.  Additional availability, including weekends, is a plus.

 

Internship Overview

Upper Dublin Public Library, a busy suburban Philadelphia public library, is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Library Intern to join our team for Summer 2018. If you’re a library/information science student or recent graduate looking for practical public library experience and are driven by a strong customer service ethic and a desire to provide the best information, technology, literacy, and programming services, this may be the position for you. Summers at UDPL are fast-paced and rewarding; if you’re ready to dive into all aspects of public library service, we are ready to assist you in gaining marketable workplace skills.

You will be an integral part of our Summer team with at least 15-18 hours/week of regularly scheduled reference and circulation desk shifts to an additional 8-10 hours of assisting in administrative, children’s, teen, and technical services. Depending on your interests and our needs, you may work on additional projects that benefit the library—and your resume!  See the attached job description for further details.

 

Our Library

Located in Fort Washington, PA, and open 66 hours/week, the UDPL is a bustling and much-loved resource for the 25,569 residents of Upper Dublin Township and those who visit from neighboring communities. The UDPL maintains a collection of 110,000 tangible items plus a variety of virtual resources, like eBooks, 24/7. In 2017, circulation was over 344,000 and 20,000 people attended programs.

Qualifications

Applicants for this position must be currently pursuing a graduate degree in library or information science from an ALA accredited program or be a recent (within 1 year) graduate.  Preference given to candidates who have completed at least 9-12 credits of their graduate studies. A bachelor’s degree is required as is a PA Driver’s License.  Strong customer service focus, motivation, and ability to learn new skills in a fast paced setting are preferred. A high level of computer literacy is required and a familiarity with digital reference resources is desired. Applicants must be available for an in-person interview. A Skype interview is possible if the candidate is attending school out of the state. A current Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance and PA State Criminal History will be required before employment begins. A Federal Criminal background check, requiring fingerprinting, is also required.

 

Salary

This position is a temporary, part-time position, approx. 25 hrs./week for 10 weeks at a rate of $16.27/hr. We will also work with the applicant so they can be awarded college credit, if desired.

 

How to Apply

Applications are being accepted until March 15^th, 2018.  Interested individuals should send their cover letter and resume, in PDF format, via email to Lauren Smyth at [email protected]  (Use “Library Intern Application” in the subject line). Additionally, please email all questions to the same address; no phone calls, please.  Interviews will be conducted during mid-late March 2018.

Upper Dublin Public Library

          Public Library Intern—Job Description

Position Overview		Summer internship opportunity for a  library/information science student or recent graduate looking for practical public library experience Candidates should be driven by a strong customer service ethic and a desire to provide the best information, technology, literacy, and programming services to our patrons
Responsibilities		Learning the functions of and staffing the reference and circulation desks an average of 15-18 hours a week Additional hours spent shadowing all library departments (children’s, teen, technical services, administration) to gain a broad understanding of library policies and procedures Assisting with programming for all ages and the Summer Reading Club Completing other projects/tasks as mutually decided upon library staff & intern
	Benefits	Gain practical experience at the reference and circulation desk, learning both print and digital resources Mentoring from seasoned library staff in all areas of the library Opportunity to gain a well-rounded public library experience Make valuable professional connections Develop new ideas and projects for the library Hourly salary & College Credit available
Training/Support Available		Training and support from staff on library policies and procedures 1-on-1 job shadowing and training in all areas of public library service Library materials and tech, including cutting-edge STEAM LAB technology Attendance at staff meetings and other professional development
Qualifications		A passion for public libraries Completion of at least 9-12 credits of graduate library/information science courses and be in pursuit of the degree OR a recent library/information science graduate (within 1 year of graduation) Strong  computer/technology skills, including Microsoft products & Internet searching; comfort with e-readers and tablets is a plus Ability to learn reference and circulation procedures Excellent customer service; experience working with the public in any setting preferred Ability to work in a fast paced environment while learning new skills Ability to develop and work with a team & high degree of  initiative Willingness to assist and learn all areas of public library service Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time and to push a cart
Commitment      Contact		June 4-August 10, 2018, approximately 25 hrs/week Preferred hours:  Mon-Tues.: 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wed. & Thurs: 5-9 p.m, & Fri, 10-5 Must provide PA Child Abuse and Criminal History reports before employment begins and will be required to complete FBI fingerprint background check. Must agree to initial library interview, discussion of expectations for this position, & training Lauren Smyth, Assistant Director, [email protected]