Interns, Landsowne Public Library, Lansdowne, PA

Posted May 16, 2018

(Not Paid; Four (4) For-Credit Options Available; 15-20 hours/week each)

Position Overview:

All library interns work under the direction and supervision of the Head of Circulation and Cataloging. Internships with the Lansdowne Public Library are not paid, but offer valuable hands-on experience, as well as opportunities for credit in certain graduate-level programs. It allows students to explore areas of interest in-depth and decide if this is an area for a potential career.

Available Positions:

• Library Programs Intern

This person is responsible for completing project-based assignments in collaboration with the Programs Committee. As part of this vibrant, enthusiastic team of staff, the Intern will assist in creating, publicizing, overseeing and attending library events for various ages and demographics. The intern will take an active role in contributing ideas, creating surveys, analyzing feedback, creating ads, generating increased engagement, organizing, and overseeing multiple events.

• Collection Development Intern

This person is responsible for completing project-based assignments under the direction of the Head of Circulation. Depending on the skills and strengths of the candidate, projects may include assistance with deaccessioning, creating recommendations for acquisitions based on strategic review of the collection, creating LibGuides/pathfinders, creating topical and informational displays, and other projects that enhance the library collection and streamline patron searches.

• Archival

This person is responsible for creating an inventory of, cataloging, and preserving community documents, manuscripts, books, and other archival materials. This will include the creation of an archival system complete with finding aids and a streamlined search. The Archival Intern will be expected to initially review and inventory all items and materials, then catalog, create and maintain a system of order and prepare the items and materials for preservation and eventual digitization. 

• Circulation

This person is responsible for completing project-based assignments assisting the Library Clerks and Processing Team with every aspect of processing and cataloging library materials, streamlining the circulation process, interacting with patrons in person and by phone to answer reference and technology questions, and assisting with the creation and launch of new circulation initiatives such as Express Book Bags. The intern will take an active role in all aspects of library circulation. 

Internship Requirements:

• Detail-oriented, able to follow directions, and take initiative when needed
• Outgoing and friendly personality, professional demeanor
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to multi-task and work well under time constraints
• Current student or recent graduate of a masters-level library science/equivalent or relevant program preferred.

 

Organization Profile:

Functioning independently under the umbrella of the Delaware County Library System, the Lansdowne Public Library serves nearly 100,000 people a year. The library has six full-time staff members: Director, Office Manager, Head of Circulation, Reference Librarian, Head of Children’s Services and Programs Coordinator, and eleven part-time employees including processing and programs assistants, clerks and one page. The library team staffs this bustling, vibrant and eventful medium-large library seven days a week, nearly 365 days a year.

Located just outside of West Philadelphia, the library’s location makes it a necessary community hub for a large, diverse population. Serving the educational, informational, social and entertainment needs of the community requires not only free access to emerging technology, but also a contemporary, organized and well-planned library collection.

The Library boasts a collection of around 70,000 cataloged items in a 5,699 sq. ft. building. Though the building is often bursting at the seams, the staff find creative, resourceful ways to meet each patron’s needs and offer programs and services for all. In fact, each month the library hosts at least 40-60 programs and special events! In 2017, the library hosted nearly 550 programs for children and more than 600 programs for adults and seniors.

The Library’s Strategic Plan outlines five focus areas which guide all programs and services: Life-long learning, Access, Early Literacy, Comfortable Space, and Information Literacy. The Library’s mission is to enlighten and enrich individuals by providing equal access to quality information and superior services to meet the changing informational, educational, and cultural needs of the Lansdowne community. The library is committed to strengthening its diverse community by advancing knowledge, promoting literacy, and fostering lifelong learning.

Application Procedure:

Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to Amy S. Moskovitz, Library Director, at [email protected] no later than June 8, 2018.

Include Library Intern Application and specify the preferred position in the subject line.