Published: December 6, 2024 by Andy Wiegert

Greetings MARA compatriots! Here is another cool opportunity to build your experience with an established institution in Boston. Especially great for those who have an interest in libraries as well.

The BPL Archives Internship is an opportunity for graduate students in library, archival science, and public history graduate programs to gain hands-on experience working with BPL’s vast archival collections. Interns will contribute to ongoing collection management and descriptive work and help BPL improve access to materials stewarded by the Archives Team in BPL’s Special Collections Department.

Hours: Internship should be completed over 10 to 12-week span, with 10-12 hours per week, during the spring semester. Weekly schedule to be determined pending a conversation with the intern supervisor. Available internship hours are Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm only. 

Location: Boston Public Library – Central Library in Copley Square, 700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116. Interns may also accompany Archives Department staff to our off-site storage facility at the City of Boston Archival Center in West Roxbury.

Compensation: This internship includes a $2,860 stipend provided by the Associates of Boston Public Library.  

To apply: Please send a resume/CV and letter or interest (or cover letter) to Lead Archivist Eve Neiger at specialcollections@bpl.org with the subject line “Applying for Archives Department internship.” Please indicate any timelines you have in mind for your internship and/or program expectations if the internship will count towards course credits. 

Required qualifications:

Education – Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university. In-process Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science/Public History (or equivalent), with preference given to students who have completed at least half of their program requirements. Though not required, we are willing to work with active students to obtain academic credit. 

Interest in archival processing and description in libraries, museums, historical societies, or other similar cultural heritage institutions. 

CORI – Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston. Required for all staff working in secure spaces with rare materials.

Boston Public Library aims to help diversify the libraries, archives, and museums field by providing guided learning opportunities to individuals from varied economic, ethnic, cultural, social, and educational backgrounds. All individuals are welcome to apply. 

Reference link: https://slis-jobline.simmons.edu/2024/12/04/archives-department-intern-special-collections-boston-public-library-boston-ma/