The Library's Special Collections invites current students to submit an application for the Cal Poly Humboldt Library Scholar Internship.  This internship offers students an opportunity to work in the Special Collections and gain valuable experience with archives, manuscripts, and rare books. Over the course of one semester, students will have hands-on experience in special collections, archives, public history and museum studies as a profession. Interns in the Library Scholars program will be introduced to a variety of archival skills such as processing collections, digital projects, preparing exhibits, conducting research, and marketing Special Collections.

The Library Scholar Intern will work to complete a variety of projects to support Special Collections. Library Scholars may be required to:

• Maintain an internship log, including experiences and challenges that they encountered over the course of their project.

• Organize archival documents and assist the Special Collections Librarian with creating finding aids.

• Create digital projects: scanning fragile and unique material, creating metadata, working with OMEKA and CONTENTdm to exhibit and provide access to material.

• Design physical exhibits in the Library.

• Complete training assignments related to Library Science.

• Use the Library’s digital repository, Digital Commons, to upload and describe digital objects.

• Contribute to the Special Collection and Library social media accounts, including: Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, HistoryPin, and Flickr.

• Assist with archival preservation and rehousing of materials.

This is a twelve week academic internship program. Currently enrolled graduate and undergraduate Cal Poly Humboldt students are eligible to apply. 

With their academic advisor's approval, interns can receive 1 or 2 course credits (45 or 90 hours) through their department’s internship course or directed study. The interns will receive a $500 scholarship at the completion of their internship.

Application Process

Please email the following material to Carly Marino (carly.marino@humboldt.edu) by August 28, 2023. Please apply early if you wish to receive course credit. The add/drop deadline is September 4th.

• Resume

• Cover letter that discusses why this internship will support your professional and/or academic goals. You can include projects you would like to pursue while an intern in Special Collections.

• Names and contact information for two academic references

• Library Student Assistant Application and Work Availability Form: https://library.humboldt.edu/sites/default/files/studentemployeeapplicationf23.pdf

Applications must be submitted via email to Carly (carly.marino@humboldt.edu).