Research Resources Library & Archives Internship

Whitney Museum of American Art; New York (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend $3,000

Ostrover Family support

Job summary

The Whitney Museum of American Art offers a Spring 2027 Academic Year Internship for MLIS students or recent graduates. This paid, semester-long program places interns in the Library and Archives to gain hands-on experience across cataloging, preservation, and reference services.

Interns will work with the WhitneyCat, Koha ILS, and ArchivesSpace, supporting research tasks and on-site researchers while receiving structured training and a $3,000 stipend for the semester.

Qualifications

• Must be a current MLIS student or recent graduate with at least one semester in LIS or related program.
• Experience with MARC, RDA, LCSH, LC classification cataloging and/or preservation is a plus.
• Interest in modern and contemporary American art and museum work.
• Ability to work independently with attention to detail.
• Experience using an ILS for research.
• Ability to lift cartons up to 30 lbs is helpful.
• Graduate students enrolled in MLIS or related programs are eligible.
• Open to students from all majors; prior museum experience not required.

Responsibilities

• Create original and copy cataloging in MARC for library materials.
• Create preservation housings for Library Special Collections materials.
• Assist with in-person and remote reference services for Library and Archives.
• Assist with the circulation of library materials.
• Assist with supervising the reading room and on-site researchers.
• Assist with reference inquiries from staff and external researchers.
• Support training and exposure to WhitneyCat, Koha ILS, ArchivesSpace, and metadata workflows.

Skills

Library cataloging

Preservation

Independent work

Research with ILS

Lift 30 lbs

MLIS eligibility

Interest in art/museum work

Education

MLIS or related graduate program (at least one semester)

Job description

The Whitney Museum of American Art offers a Spring 2027 Academic Year Internship for MLIS students or recent graduates. This paid, semester-long program places interns in the Library and Archives to gain hands-on experience across cataloging, preservation, and reference services.

Interns will work with the WhitneyCat, Koha ILS, and ArchivesSpace, supporting research tasks and on-site researchers while receiving structured training and a $3,000 stipend for the semester.