Special Collections Library Intern

DEADLINE DATE:October 26, 2026

SEMINAR EVENTS:Interns are required to participate in three, in-person seminars focused on professional development, learning how cultural organizations operate, and building a network of industry professionals. At the end of the semester, interns complete a final presentation to share their work.

Please ensure you are available for these dates when applying:

• Thursday, February 4 from 11:30am-1:00pm

• Thursday, March 18 from 1:00-3:00pm

• Thursday, April 22 from 2:00-4:00pm

• Final Presentations: May 23 from 11:30am-1:00pm

TO APPLY:Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a cover letter, resume, and any required additional materials by the application deadline date.

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE:

• A list of already-completed MLIS, research-based, or related coursework.

DESCRIPTION: The Intern will experience work in a busy Special Collections/Archival environment, including participating in daily library activities, completing projects related to public access of MNHS collections items, and developing a network of contacts in the library field. Ongoing projects will vary and likely include developing research guides and analyzing reference tools for improvement. The Intern will also shadow at various service desks, work at the Library’s registration desk, and learn about other types of library work that interest them (from other Library, Archives, and Collections Division departments).

RESPONSIBILITIES: 1) Communicating with members of the public via in-person interactions at the Library Registration Desk; 2) Learning and using various types of library computer software; 3) Using various types of regular office software (documents, spreadsheets, etc.); 4) Researching in catalogs, search systems, and databases; 5) Selecting and prioritizing collection materials for inclusion in learning tools based on standards.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student, or have graduated within the past 12 months at the time of application.

• Ideal candidates might be currently pursuing, or a graduate with a degree in the following areas: Library/Info Science graduate program, History or Public History, Social Science or Humanities Degree with Primary Source Research.

• We are looking for someone who likes research, has good attention to detail, and has customer service skills/experience.

• It would be good for the Intern to be able to work well both as a part of a team and independently.

• We strongly prefer a Graduate student in a Library/Info Science program, and it would be helpful if the Intern had some knowledge of library catalogs and research, through coursework and/or experience.

Knowledge Intern is Expected to Gain:

The Intern will get work experience in a busy special collections library environment, create multiple deliverables that are appropriate for a professional portfolio, and build their professional network.

Should you have questions with the application process, email internships@mnhs.org or call 651-259-3191.

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, interns, volunteers, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.