Jones Memorial Library

INTERN Job details Unpaid (Volunteer basis or for college credit per institutional agreement) Temporary Full Job Description General Service Area & Conditions: Indoor library and research facility environment. Ability to lift/move up to 25 lbs. Interacts with members of the public. Weekend and evening hours available. Location: Jones Memorial Library, 2311 Memorial Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24501 Contact: Deborah Smith, Executive Director; director@jmlibrary.org; Tel. 434-846-0501 About Jones Memorial Library: Jones Memorial Library, a research library specializing in history and genealogy, welcomes students and volunteers interested in connecting patrons with our many resources. From assisting staff and patrons with research to processing, preserving, and digitizing the library’s collections, we serve the library and public in many capacities. We offer a flexible internship experience, tailoring assignments depending on the skills, expertise, and aptitude of volunteers. We provide opportunity to gain experience and skills that are applicable within many industries. We can also work closely with academic advisors to plan a fulfilling internship for credit and provide ongoing feedback during service. In our commitment to training a new generation of leaders in the library, archives, and museum field, Jones Memorial Library encourages individuals from diverse, differently abled, or underrepresented backgrounds to consider applying. About the internship: Working under the direction of the Library’s Executive Director and Research Assistants, college interns provide assistance with managing the library’s collections. We seek a minimum commitment of two (2) to three (3) hours per week on a semester basis, scheduled per mutual agreement. Due to the fact that most of our collections are in physical format, most interns will conduct work in our facility; some tasks may also be suitable for remote work. We can provide professional supervision throughout the internship, including regular reporting and communication with faculty advisors. At the end of a successful internship, we may offer interns a professional reference and access to a network of connections within the library and archival field. The following are examples of some of the projects and tasks available to interns: • Office administration: Organize supplies and workspaces for better workflow; conduct equipment inventories and research new equipment; convert and upgrade media files • Communications & Outreach: Using the library’s collections, create and post social media content; promote genealogy and local history research; like and follow similar institutions; create content for newsletters and e-newsletters; design brochures, flyers, and posters; curate and create physical exhibits • Collections management: Shelf read and straighten materials on shelves; shift materials from closed to open stacks; code materials for improved retrieval; inventory collections and match contents with inventories; convert Finding Aids from Word to PDF formats and add to online repositories Core Skill Sets: • Interest in archives, libraries, or museums • Reliable and dependable • Good communications skills; ability to take direction and independently execute tasks and projects • Commitment to providing responsive, inclusive, and accurate customer service in an archival setting • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with standard office equipment (printers, scanners, photocopier), Canva, Omeka, or databases a plus • Comfortable working with and serving individuals across different ages, backgrounds, and lived experiences • Candidates who do not meet all criteria or have different skills sets are also encouraged to apply Qualifications: • Sophomore or higher standing • Able to provide own transportation to and from the library