Reference Services Internship - West Hartford Public Library

Reference Services Internship Program - The West Hartford Public Library welcomes applications from MLS candidates for its recently created internship program. The program has been designed to provide practical, on-the-job experience to individuals pursuing a career in reference service. Applicants must have completed at least four graduate level library science courses before the start date of their internship including a reference services course. The successful applicant will be paid a stipend of $3750 for 250 hours of work over approximately 5 or 6 months starting late summer. The intern will have the opportunity to shadow librarians at a fast-paced reference desk and will assist with the implementation of a grant to improve service to people with sensory and motor disabilities. In addition, the intern with help with other departmental projects such as collection and website development, digitization projects, subject bibliographies, and other projects as assigned. Although the intern will work primarily in the Adult Division of the Noah Webster Library located at 20 South Main Street, s/he will do a rotation in each of the library’s two branches as well as other library divisions to gain a broader understanding of public library operations. This internship program is supported with funding from the West Hartford Public Library Foundation, Thomas F. Kilfoil Bequest. Mr. Kilfoil served as head of reference at the West Hartford Public Library for many years. Eligibility and requirements: Enrollment in a Master of Library Science Program. Applicants must have completed at least four courses including a reference services course before the start date of the internship. Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. The stipend is provided by the West Hartford Library Foundation Thomas F. Kilfoil Bequest and will be administered by the school in which the student is enrolled. Schedule is flexible but may include some weekday, as well as evening and weekend hours. Candidate must have reliable transportation. Please email the following to internship@westhartfordlibrary.org by July 12, 2010. Candidates will be notified by the end of August. Resume and cover letter; Personal statement (250-300 words) explaining your interest in libraries and reference service in particular; List of completed classes (unofficial transcripts accepted).