[Spring 2027] Research Resources - Library and Archives Internship

About the role

The Whitney seeks a Research Resources: Library and Archives intern for the Spring 2027 semester as part of the Academic Year Internship program. Interns are assigned to a specific department at the Museum for the duration of the internship.

Responsibilities

• Create original and copy cataloging in MARC for library materials.
• Create preservation housings for Library Special Collections materials.
• Assist with providing in‑person and remote reference services for Library and Archives.
• Assist with the circulation of library materials.
• Assist with supervising the reading room and on‑site researchers.
• Assist with reference inquiries from staff and external researchers.

Requirements

• Current student or recent graduate who has completed at least one semester in a Library and Information Science program, or related graduate program.
• Experience with library cataloging (MARC, RDA, LCSH, LC classification) and/or preservation is a plus.
• Interest in modern and contemporary American art and museum work.
• Ability to work independently with attention to detail.
• Experience with conducting research using an ILS.
• Ability to lift cartons up to 30 lb (helpful).
• Graduate students enrolled in MLIS or related programs are eligible.
• Demonstrated interest in art and art history is preferred, but students in all majors are encouraged to apply.
• Previous museum experience is not required.

Provided Training

• General art library and archives policies and procedures.
• Use of the OPAC, WhitneyCat, and Koha ILS.
• Use of the ArchivesSpace finding‑aids database.
• Library cataloging and MARC/RDA metadata creation.
• Basics of hands‑on preservation rehousing for a variety of library materials.
• Reference and user services skills.

Outcomes

• First‑hand experience in multiple areas related to the operations of library and archives in a museum setting.
• Understanding of how the Whitney’s research collections support unique areas of inquiry.
• Opportunity to work with both Whitney staff researchers and visiting scholars.
• Increased knowledge of metadata, reference, and circulation of library and archives resources.

Compensation

Interns will be paid a stipend of $3,000. Generous support for Ostrover Family Academic Year Interns is provided by Julie and Doug Ostrover.

Schedule

The internship runs from January 18 to April 26, 2027. Participants must be available two weekdays per week for a 10 am – 5 pm workday.

About The Whitney

The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty‑first centuries. Its mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art of our time and to serve a wide variety of audiences, celebrating the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States.