Professional Development Internships
This internship program is on hold during 2024.
This long-standing internship program offers a unique opportunity for aspiring librarians and archivists to work alongside Smithsonian Libraries and Archives staff. Interns in this program acquire crucial skills, knowledge, and experience to prepare them for their future careers. This program is geared towards graduate students in a Master of Information Science program or similar.
In addition to opportunities specific to their project, interns will participate in activities designed to enhance their learning experience, including tours, presentations, and informational interviews. All Smithsonian Libraries and Archives interns prepare a blog post summarizing their work. Interns are eligible for a stipend of $700 a week. Virtual/remote interns should have reliable access to a computer and internet connection.
Interns are eligible for a stipend of $700 a week, which will be pro-rated based on the number of days per week of the internship. Appointees who reside outside of the DC area may be eligible for an additional one-time travel allowance to offset relocation expenses.
Eligibility:
Students must be accepted into, currently enrolled in, or recent graduates of a Master of Information Science program or similar.
Selection Criteria:
Through their application materials, including a resume and essay, candidates should be sure to demonstrate the following:
- Interest in learning about libraries, archives, and museums, particularly as it relates to their selected project areas.
- How the candidate’s background and experiences have prepared them for this opportunity.
- How this opportunity will enhance the student’s learning or contribute to their future career goals.
Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointments system (SOLAA). Applicants should select “Smithsonian Libraries and Archives” as the unit and the “Smithsonian Libraries and Archives Professional Development”.
The following items must be included and uploaded into the SOLAA system as part of your application:
- Essay of 500 to 1,000 words describing your learning objectives, qualifications, and career aspirations and how they relate to this internship.
- Transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded into SOLAA. Do not mail physical copies.
- CV/Resume
- Contacts for two professional or academic recommendations.The candidate inputs names and emails into the SOLAA application system. References are automatically sent an electronic survey and have an opportunity to upload a traditional reference letter. Candidate should be sure to communicate this process to their references and input email addresses accurately.
The Smithsonian is committed to ensuring that all employees and affiliated persons (including interns) are treated equitably in an environment that is free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, gender stereotyping, pregnancy, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, parental status or marital status. All personnel practices, including the selection of interns, must comply with this policy.
General Information about Smithsonian Libraries and Archives Internships
