Thomas Balch Library Internship Program
208 West Market Street
Leesburg, VA 20176
703/737-7195
http://www.leesburgva.com/services/library/
An internship at Thomas Balch Library is a prearranged, structured learning experience scheduled within a specific time frame. The experience must be relevant to the intern's academic and professional goals and to research activities of the library. An internship is performed under the direct supervision of Thomas Balch Library professional staff.
Process
Internships are arranged individually. Information and applications may be obtained by contacting the Library Director. Internships are unpaid.
Areas of Focus
The internship is designed to provide students with an opportunity to obtain practical experience in appraisal, arrangement, description, preservation, and other aspects of archival and special collections work, and to make important contributions to the Library’s mission to increase access to its holdings.
Subject to availability internships are available in the following areas:
- Archives and Manuscript processing
- Visual Collections processing
- Special Library projects
- Exhibits
- Reference requests
An intern’s main task will be to arrange, describe and re-house archival, manuscript or visual materials or organize, re-house and provide access to rare books or other print materials. The intern will conduct original research in order to produce finding aids, including a scope and content note, a brief historical note, and container/location list.
An intern may have an opportunity to co-curate and design a small exhibit of materials from the collections for the Library’s exhibit cases or for the Library’s website.
An intern may occasionally assist with answering reference requests and with other tasks in the reading room.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Internships are open to undergraduate students and graduate students who are currently enrolled in a degree-granting institution, have graduated from a degree granting institution in the last six months or having evidence that they have been accepted into a degree-granting post-graduate program within six months.
Excellent writing skills, attention to detail, dependability, ability to work independently and on a consistent schedule, understanding of primary sources and care in handling unique materials are required. It is helpful for applicants to have had training in archival practice or previous employment in a research library, and familiarity with Microsoft Office, Photoshop and scanning equipment.
Work Schedule
Interns are expected to work the hours required to fulfill their academic credit hours between 10AM to 4PM Monday through Friday. Once hours are established interns are expected to work on a consistent schedule.
Application Process
- Referral letter from academic advisor
- Copy of course requirements
- Cover letter and resume
- Interview with Library Director
