Library and Information Science Internship

Internship description

Our goal is to offer a full range of educational programs for youth of all ages and their families, from hands-on STEM activities for families to podcasting for teens to engaging storytimes for little ones. All branches participate in the Meet Up and Eat Up program and provide free summer lunches to youth.

Under the direction of a YDL Manager, Interns will perform a wide variety of duties and tasks, gaining exposure to and experience in the full scope of public librarianship typical of a busy youth department. The ideal candidate will be passionate about serving the community and empowering kids and parents. Duties will include but are not limited to the following:

• Assist in the creation and implementation of youth and family programs at the libraries, on the bookmobile, and at outreach events. Examples include hands-on STEAM activities, storytimes, family literacy workshops, nature and fitness programs, and teen creative workshops.
• Help serve lunch and read aloud to kids.
• Help kids and parents find books and information in the Youth Department and on the bookmobile.
• Assist families in the use of computers, iPads, digital books, summer learning sign up, and other library technology.
• Support librarians’ collection development work by creating book displays and finding books requested by patrons. 
• Promote participation in the Summer Learning Program, at the library and in partnering camps.
• Complete special projects as assigned. 

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or equivalent. Formal training in a child-related field or experience working with youth desired. Library/Information Science students from an ALA-accredited library school will be given priority and collection development projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work with families and youth from diverse populations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Enthusiastic and creative public service outlook.
• Strong technology skills and the desire to use a wide variety of new technologies to guide youth creative projects at summer programs.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team, function in a professional manner, and use good judgment.
• Creative problem solving skills and flexibility to adapt to changing community needs. 
• Strong desire to engage, nurture, and mentor children birth-18, their parents, caregivers and teachers.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple tasks.
• Knowledge of children’s literature, youth development, and early learning concepts desired.