Intern Technical Services

Boston Athenaeum; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free library membership during and 1‑y

Paid sick time

Job summary

The Boston Athenaeum seeks a reliable intern to support Technical Services, including copy cataloging, end processing, shelving, serials check-in, and digitization project work. The role also includes a weekly 3-hour shift monitoring the rare book reading room.

Ideal candidates are motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of following complex instructions, with enrollment in an ALA-accredited library science graduate program for the duration of the internship. Starts immediately.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in a library science graduate program.
• Must be conscientious, curious, and capable of working independently.
• Completion of introductory Organization of Knowledge course or equivalent desirable.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods, engaging in repetitive movements of the hands, wrists, and fingers.
• Must be able to lift 30-pound packages and push full book carts.
• Commitment to fostering a workplace culture of teamwork and inclusion, required.
• Submit to and pass background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment verifications and Department of Motor Vehicles (if applicable).

Responsibilities

• Performs copy cataloging of new circulating books.
• Regularly performs end-processing of new circulating books, including pasting bookplates and applying mylar covers.
• Assists with serials check-in, distributing latest issues, and back-issues organization.
• Assists Digital Programs and Metadata Librarian with metadata creation and translation, and copy stand photography.
• Regularly performs stack maintenance by shelving and shifting books.
• Serves a weekly 3 hour shift as a monitor in the rare book reading room.
• Carries out other duties as assigned.

Skills

Detail oriented

Organizational skills

Ability to follow complex instructions

Independent worker

Education

ALA accredited library science graduate program

Job description

The Boston Athenaeum seeks a reliable intern, who will play an important role in supporting a variety of Technical Services functions. Primary responsibilities include copy cataloging, end processing, shelving and shifting books, serials check-in, and digitization project support. Additionally, the internship includes a 3 hour weekly shift monitoring the Athenaeum’s rare book reading room.

The ideal candidate will be motivated, detail oriented, able to follow complex instructions, and possess strong organizational skills. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an ALA accredited library science graduate program for the duration of the internship.

This position starts immediately.

Hours: Flexible schedule; 15 hours per week.

Compensation: $17.15 per hour; paid sick time; free membership concurrent with employment and one year following the date of departure; no other benefits.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs “item in hand” copy cataloging of new circulating books.
• Regularly performs the end-processing of new circulating books, which involves pasting bookplates and applying mylar covers.
• Assists the Acquisitions and Serials Librarian with serials check-in, distributing latest issues, and maintaining organization of back issues.
• Assists the Digital Programs and Metadata Librarian with metadata creation and translation, as well as copy stand photography.
• Regularly performs stack maintenance by shelving and shifting books.
• Serves a weekly 3 hour shift as a monitor in the Athenaeum’s rare book reading room.
• Carries out other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Must be currently enrolled in a library science graduate program.
• Must be conscientious, curious, and capable of working independently.
• Completion of introductory Organization of Knowledge course or equivalent desirable.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods, engaging in repetitive movements of the hands, wrists, and fingers.
• Must be able to lift 30-pound packages and push full book carts.
• Commitment to fostering a workplace culture of teamwork and inclusion, required.
• Submit to and pass background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment verifications and Department of Motor Vehicles (if applicable).

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.

The Boston Athenaeum is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage individuals of diverse backgrounds to apply and are committed to hiring individuals who value a diverse and inclusive work environment. The Boston Athenaeum is also committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact HR Generalist Nora Conley at [e-mail] or 617-720-7630