State Library Preservation Summer Internship (Unpaid)

Program Office/Description: 

The Preservation Unit of the New York State Library has the responsibility for assuring the physical preservation of the Library’s collections consisting of nearly 20,000,000 items. In addition to making paper copy available for much of the Library’s collections, the Preservation Unit also performs conservation work to preserve the materials in their original form and imaging services to provide access to NYSL's collections.

The Assignment (Description of Job): 

The intern will work part of their time in the repair and rehousing of library materials using a variety of preservation techniques and the remainder in the preparation of documents for shelving. 

Assignment Type: 

On-Site

Professional Development Plan : 

Reporting directly to the Preservation Librarian, the Preservation Assistants will receive training in: 

• Archival book and paper repair treatments
• Pests and mold in the collections
• Environmental (building) conditions
• The history of paper
• The uses for protective enclosures
• Different types of book bindings
• Reformatting documents
• Disaster preparedness
• Safety in the workplace

Desired Skills, Abilities, & Educational Background: 

This position is open to matriculated undergraduate or graduate students. Preference may be given to those who are pursuing a Bachelors or Masters in Library or Information Science or a combined Bachelor's or Masters in Library or Information Science Art or Art History, and/or those who may be interested in working in book preservation upon graduation.

Experience with hand work (origami, sewing, woodworking), attention to detail, patience, ability to follow detailed instructions, accurate measuring skills, and ability to work independently are all very valuable.

Schedule/Hours: 

Students may work up to 25 hours per week during the hours of 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday,

Application Instructions: 

To apply for this position, please send your resume, cover letter, transcript (unofficial is acceptable), and signed application to Internships@nysed.gov(link sends e-mail) with the code OCE-SU24-6U in your subject line. 

DO NOT APPLY VIA HANDSHAKE! All application materials must be submitted via email. Failure to do so will result in you not being considered.

Failure to send complete applications or follow the instructions will result in your removal from consideration for this position.