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Access and Resource Services

Preservation Department

Summer DEI Graduate Internships in Access Services

The Robert W. Woodruff Library of Emory University is offering a paid graduate internship in Access Services during Summer 2024. During the program, the intern will gain an understanding of current trends in library access services with a focus on course reserves, including participating in the implementation of a library-curated textbook collection targeting large Emory College classes. The libraries also will provide additional learning opportunities in resource sharing/interlibrary loan, user services, stacks maintenance, and operations & access to ensure a robust overview of the Access Services units that support library users at Emory.

We welcome applicants from groups underrepresented in the library profession due to barriers such as a lack of paid training opportunities, internships, or experience outside traditional exposure to the profession. Applicants may be graduate students in any discipline with an interest in library access services. Current MLIS students and recent graduates are especially encouraged to apply.

Under the supervision of experienced Access Services staff, the successful candidate will: 

  • Gain practical skills and experience in access services at a university library 

  • Gain an understanding of course reserve workflows, policies, and application of copyright law

  • Complete a project-based assignment related to the development of a core textbook reserve collection slated for launch in Fall 2024

  • Gain practical experience in gathering and assessing reserve collection use data and presentation of results to stakeholders

  • Engage in a brief rotation through Interlibrary Loan, User Services, Stacks Operations, and Operations and Access to provide learning opportunities across all areas of Access Services 

Application Requirements: 

Candidates will: 

  • identify as a member of an underrepresented community
  • demonstrate an interest in librarianship, specifically access services, course reserves and/or textbook affordability initiatives in academic libraries
  • be currently enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate program (any field) 
  • be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
  • reside in Atlanta, GA, for the duration of the program. We cannot offer the program virtually. 

Interested applicants should apply with the following: 

  • Cover letter addressing the following: 
    • your interest in library access services
    • what you hope to learn/gain from this intern experience
    • relevant previous experience or coursework (if any)
    • the underrepresented group(s) with which you identify
    • whether or not you are interested in/eligible for the Emory housing option (paid for by the libraries)
  • Current resume/CV 
  • Contact information for three references, specifically current or previous mentors, professors, or employers. 
  • Graduate school transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable)

Submit all documents as a single PDF to Margaret Ellingson at mwellingson@emory.edu no later than March 8, 2024

Complete application packets must be received by the deadline above for consideration

Applicants will be notified whether or not their application was successful by March 29, 2024

Please email completed applications and direct program questions to: 

The Robert W. Woodruff Library of Emory University offers a paid graduate internship in Access Services during Summer 2023. During the program, the intern will gain an understanding of current trends in Access Services with a focus on public services, reference inquiry, and assessment. Exposure and experience in interlibrary loan, course reserves, stacks maintenance and operations and access will be provided to ensure a robust overview of the many units with Access Services that support the user experience at Emory Libraries. This internship will specifically target groups underrepresented in the profession due to barriers, such as a lack of paid training opportunities, internships, or experience outside of traditional exposure to the profession. Applicants may be graduate students in any area with an interest in Access Services, or current MLIS students and recent graduates.  

Under the supervision of experienced Access Services staff, the successful candidate will: 

  • Gain practical skills and experience in public services at an academic library 

  • Gain an understanding of basic reference inquiry with an emphasis on virtual reference support  

  • Gain practical experience in assessing reference inquiry and communicating results to stakeholders 

  • Gain practical experience with the Springshare suite of applications that support the work of Access Services 

  • Engage in a brief rotation through stacks maintenance, interlibrary loan, course reserves and operations and access to provide exposure and experience in all areas of Access Services 

The internship will take place in Summer 2023 and will be carried out onsite at the Emory University Woodruff Library. The program may be full-time (maximum 40 hours per week) or part-time (less than 40 hours per week), earning up to a maximum of $6,000 stipend. Additionally, a $500 stipend is available to assist with professional development opportunities such as workshop attendance, conference participation, or professional organization membership fees. The exact internship dates are to be arranged, beginning June 2023. 

About Emory Libraries:  

Emory Libraries is ranked among the top twenty Association of Research Libraries (ARL) in North America and has collections of more than 5.8 million volumes, 430,000 electronic journals, over 1.8 million electronic books, and internationally renowned special collections. The Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Books Library is home to over 200,000 volumes and 21,000 linear feet of manuscript material with collections spanning more than 800 years of history; particularly modern literature and poetry, African American history and culture, political, social, and cultural movements, and the Emory University Archives. 

Requirements: 

Candidates will: 

  • demonstrate an interest in librarianship and specifically access services 

  • have current enrollment in or recent completion of a graduate program (any field) 

Interested applicants will apply with the following: 

  • resume/CV 

  • cover letter  

  • describing your interest in academic librarianship, specifically access services 

  • explaining what you hope to learn and gain from participating in this internship 

  • noting any previous experience or relevant coursework (if any) 

  • provide contact information for three references, specifically current or previous mentors, professors, or employers. 

  • submit as a single PDF to Lyndon Batiste at lyndon.batiste@emory.edu

Application deadline: May 22, 2023