Reader Services Intern, Boston Athenæum, Boston, MA
Posted September 7, 2020
Description:
The Boston Athenæum seeks a personable and reliable intern for the Reader Services Department who will play an important role in supporting the daily functions of the Reference Department and the Circulation desk. Reporting to the Head of Circulation and the Head of Reader Services, the intern will work closely with members, patrons,
and the public, by providing information about the collection and the institution.
The ideal candidate will be organized, hard-working, and ambitious. This position will be available to start immediately. The position is about 15 hours per week, two days per week: 12PM-8PM Wednesday and
12PM-8PM Thursday, with occasional changes to the schedule. Compensation is $14 per hour; paid sick time; free membership concurrent withemployment and one year following the date of departure.
Responsibilities:
- Provide coverage of the circulation and reference desks, answer phones, shelve books.
- Offer basic reference services.
- Offer orientation tours to members.
- Create readers’ advisory materials.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Submit to and pass a background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment verifications and Registry of Motor Vehicles (if applicable).
- Must be currently enrolled in an ALA accredited library science graduate program.
- Must be comfortable speaking in public.
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office.
- Must be able to lift and move 40 pounds.
- Completion of reference course preferred.
- Experience with OCLC resource sharing preferred.
- Commitment to fostering a workplace culture of teamwork and inclusion.
About the Boston Athenæum:
Founded in 1807 as “a fountain, at which all, who choose, may gratify their thirst for knowledge,” the Boston Athenæum has evolved into a beloved subscription library, specializing in history, biography, literature, and art. 5,000 Households maintain active memberships in the Athenæum, and enjoy a range of services from individualized reference assistance to superb children’s programming, from discussion groups to curated selections of digital and print resources. Tourists and scholars from around the
world consult the quarter-million rare items in the collection, which includes George Washington’s personal library; an important collection of early American portraits; rich holdings related to the Civil War and documenting New England’s build environment; and the Athenæum’s own historical archives, attesting to the institution’s role in American arts and letters. Each year, the Athenæum offers hundreds of cultural programs— including lectures, concerts, performances, exhibitions, and tastings—within its exquisite National Historic Landmark structure, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter (please note that you can work the days required) and resume to James Feeney via e-mail at: [email protected].