While at the DUSLA First Friday Downtowner the topic of searching for internships come up in discussion. It can be difficult to look for internships and entry level positions in libraries for those without Master's in library science, yet we need the experience before we graduate.
Volunteering and shadowing a librarian could be a good alternative. While volunteering you can build useful connections and learn new skills over a short period of time. Though, some have express difficulty in finding institutions accepting new volunteers at the moment. It is a commitment for both the volunteer and the library, and sometimes there isn't enough work to hand over to volunteers. If you find yourself in this situation, shadowing may be an option. Following a professional around for a full day or a few hours may be easier and more enticing for both parties. Here you will get to see the day-to-day responsibilities instead of being placed on 1 long term project.
Call or email a library or institution of interest and ask about shadowing a professional. It is best to have a short list of skills your are interested in learning, so check job postings and make note of desired or required skills and responsibilities you may be lacking and seek out professionals willing to teach them.
Here are a few places in the Philadelphia area Jazmin Idaakar recommended:
1. I Need a Library Job (http://inalj.com/)- Contact Naomi about volunteering for the website. She needs people to sift through job postings and check for duplicates.
2. West Philadelphia Alliance for Children- (http://www.wepac.org/home/volunteer)- If you are interested in working with school aged students, this program promotes school libraries and includes training sessions.
3.Books through bars- (http://booksthroughbars.org/get-involved/)- Help support literacy and education in the prison system
4.Philly Fight- (http://fight.org/join-the-fight/internsvolunteers/)-Philadelphia FIGHT (FIGHT) is a comprehensive AIDS service organization
providing primary care, consumer education, advocacy and research on
potential treatments and potential vaccines.
5.Last Word- (http://lastwordbookshop.com/Last_Word_Bookshop.html)- volunteer for a book shop
Per Jazmin Idaakar's post, I was asked by a DUSLA officer to post a reply.
ReplyDeleteIn regard to archival or library internships, I can appreciate that many of you are busy. Whether you have an existing job, a family, or a heavy courseload, you aren't superman or superwoman!
So, I suggest that you consider adding a small internship or volunteer position to your schedule.
1. Identify some free time in your schedule. Depending on the institution, it can be as little as 2hrs a week. You will find this out when you speak to them.
2. Locate an institution that is in your area or within local transportation. You can use some of the links in Jazmin Idaakar's post, or go to Drexel's ischool internship page and look at the previous 1-2 months listings.
http://www.ischool.drexel.edu/APF/JobPlacement/Search/JobPostings
3. Call 1-2 institutions and ask about volunteer opportunities. This is part of your telephone interview with them. They will probably ask you to a) email them a copy of your resume or b) come in to speak with them.
So, have a resume available or update your existing resume. After all, everyone needs grad students for help.
Summary: I have used this methodology to locate archival and library internship/volunteer positions. It looks great on the resume and gives you great experience.
It may seem intimidating, but once you pick 1-2 libraries or archives to call, you will find that they (may be) interested in you. After all, you are the future library professional and they can use your help.