Reader Services Intern, Boston Athenaeum (Boston, MA)

Posted April 10, 2025

Job Description

The Boston Athenæum seeks a personable and reliable intern for the Reader Services Department who will play an important role in supporting the daily functions of Reference and Circulation. Reporting to the Head of Reader Services, the intern will be a primary point of welcome at the front desk to members and the public. The ideal candidate will be organized, hard-working, and proactive about public service. This position will be available to start in early May.

Position Duties

• Provide coverage of the circulation and reference desks.
• Provide stack maintenance by shelving and shifting books.
• Offer basic reference services.
• Offer library orientation tours to members.
• Create readers’ advisory materials.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Submit to and pass a background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment verifications and Registry of Motor Vehicles (if applicable).
• Must be currently enrolled in an ALA accredited library science graduate program.
• Must be comfortable speaking in public, on the phone and communicating via email.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Position requires sitting at a desk for prolonged periods and engaging in repetitive movements of the hands, wrists and fingers.
• Position also requires the ability to handle and lift packages weighing as much as 30 pounds and the ability to push book carts between internal office locations.
• Completion of reference course preferred.
• Experience with OCLC resource sharing preferred.
• Commitment to fostering a workplace culture of teamwork and inclusion.

Hours & Compensation

• About 15 hours per week, Saturdays, 9 am – 5 pm, and Mondays, 12 pm – 8 pm, with occasional changes to the schedule and seasonal revisions. The Athenaeum will seek to hire another intern to work other days starting sometime between June and August.
• $16.65 per hour; paid sick time; free membership concurrent with employment.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume here