This is a rare opportunity to join the successful intern programme at Gladstone’s Library. We are proud to say that almost all previous interns have, as a direct result of their experience here, gained a foothold in their chosen career in information and archive studies.
The library at Gladstone’s Library is many things: chiefly, it is a spectacle, a dedicated research environment and a place to be creatively inspired. Its users include academics, clergy, students, the general public, creative writers, and many more. The Library team’s priority is ensuring that the environment retains its charismatic character, welcoming in new users while allowing experienced users to benefit from the silent working environment.
The position of Library Intern is, therefore, a diverse one and would best suit an individual who appreciates the need for libraries to promote their services. Interns divide their time between working with the library team, assisting with marketing tasks and individual projects (roughly 60% of the role involves working with the library team). A typical day might involve:
- two shifts on the library’s Enquiry Desk, the first point of call for library users;
- reshelving and cataloguing;
- individual project work;
- reviewing library collections;
- promoting the library through social media, blog posts, and images.
This post would suit an individual who seeking experience in librarianship as well as graduates who would appreciate the chance to work on research projects in one of the UK’s most significant collections. Irrespective of background, the successful candidate must be able to deliver excellent customer service, and be enthusiastic about working on a variety of tasks with a variety of people. Like all other members of staff, interns are expected to deliver excellent customer service and to work enthusiastically on a wide range of tasks with a variety of people.
All are welcome at the Library regardless of gender, race, class, sexual orientation or religious affiliation and interns are expected to be at ease with this inclusive ethos.
Library interns are expected to demonstrate the highest levels of expression and accuracy in both written and verbal communication. All library staff and interns are required to complete the library’s training courses, which ensure a standard level of core competencies while ensuring that each staff member receives the training that they need in order to work both independently and as part of the library team.
This is a residential post and the successful candidate will be required to undertake other duties to ensure the smooth running of Gladstone’s Library which operates seven days a week (including Bank Holidays). The Intern will work four weekdays and every third weekend in the Library (9.00am – 5.00pm). Interns are also expected to be assigned a lock up duty and to cover evening Reception up to twice a week, and to cover Reception at lunchtime on a rota basis. Exact working patterns will be confirmed during the first week of the internship. This post is for an initial period of three months but may be extended for a further period subject to mutual agreement. Accommodation, meals and utilities are provided. Interns receive a small travel and general expenses allowance of £100.00 per month.
To apply, please send a covering letter and CV (with contact details of two referees) to Louisa Yates ([email protected]) by Friday 31st October 2014. Interviews will take place on Monday November 10th, 2014.