Research and Education Intern

About the role

VCU Libraries supports learning, research, and creativity across Virginia Commonwealth University. With locations at James Branch Cabell Library on the Monroe Park Campus and the Health Sciences Library on the MCV Campus, we help students, faculty, and staff access the information, spaces, and services they need to succeed. Our team values collaboration, innovation, and service, creating an environment where ideas thrive and learning flourishes.

The VCU Libraries’ Health Sciences Library, located in Richmond, VA, invites applications for the Health Sciences Librarian (HSL) Intern position with the Research and Education Department (RED). This position is open to current and recent graduate students in ALA-accredited library/information science programs and is ideal for those with an interest in health sciences librarianship.

The HSL RED Internship offers up to 25 hours per week and the opportunity to work with practicing health sciences librarians, in person or virtually. Through experiential learning, the individual in this position will build and develop their career portfolio.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Internship Coordinator, the RED Intern is responsible for the completion of outreach and research support projects for the Research and Education Department at VCU Libraries Health Sciences Library. The internship provides practical professional experience in an academic health sciences library and supports the development of competencies outlined by the Medical Library Association’s Competencies for Lifelong Learning and Professional Success.

• Work closely with health sciences librarians and directly with library users, including VCU faculty, students, staff, and potentially members of the Greater Richmond community.
• Provide research and instruction support through interactions with users, conducting library orientations, and presenting library workshops.
• Participate in evidence synthesis projects.
• Create and maintain learning objects such as research guides or instructional videos.
• Develop workshop lesson plans.
• Provide data analysis and assessment support.
• Work with the Internship Coordinator to establish achievable personal and project goals for the duration of the internship.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.
• Employment contingent upon enrollment in or recent completion (no more than two years) of an ALA-accredited Master of Information or Library Science program.
• Basic knowledge of library resources, such as academic library research databases, websites, and information sources.
• Strong service orientation.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with research methods and practices, database searching techniques, instructional design techniques, or project management skills.

Benefits

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive health benefits.
• Paid annual and holiday leave.
• Generous tuition benefits.
• Retirement planning and savings options, including tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs.
• Employee discounts.
• Well-being resources.
• Abundant opportunities for career development and advancement.

Pay

$20 - $21 per hour.

Schedule

Up to 25 hours per week. Hybrid work arrangement available.