Internship – Strozier Library Reference Department Internship
Strozier Library’s Undergraduate Services Department seeks FSU MLIS student Interns who are enthusiastic about working with the students, faculty and staff of FSU by providing them with professional-level reference services. This internship is intended to provide an opportunity for students to use the skills they are learning in class and apply them to a real-world setting.
We are seeking MLIS students who are interested in working in a fast-paced academic library environment, who have excellent customer-service and communication skills and intellectual curiosity. Ideal candidates will have completed at least one semester of graduate school.
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A solid academic background. A strong commitment to public service. Effective interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to learn quickly, to take initiative and to handle busy situations. Completion of at least one semester of graduate-level course work in the FSU School of Library and Information Studies, including completion of LIS 5603-Introduction to Information Services. Demonstrate a willingness to acquire new skills in a rapidly changing environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Previous experience working with library patrons, preferably by providing reference assistance; previous reference experience may include in-person, phone, or virtual reference (synchronous or asynchronous) assistance. Working knowledge of popular databases. The desire to pursue a career in academic librarianship. Possession of strong technology skills.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
● Maintain a weekly journal/blog that covers the intern’s progress and experience
● Responsibility for daily reference desk duties, including:
▪ Excellent customer service by being personable and professional at all times
▪ Provision of reference service that might include basic information, assistance with a database, or in-depth research consultation
▪ Circulate library and media materials (checkouts, returns)
▪ Assist patrons through the library’s virtual reference services
▪ Maintain a record of reference statistics while at the desk
▪ Maintain organized records of work completed
▪ Be prompt and maintain accurate sign-in sheets.
● Complete and present a final project (new tutorial, presentation on new reference technology, etc.)
● With supervisor’s permission attend weekly reference training and faculty meetings
● Other duties as assigned by the supervisor(s)
HOURS
Interns will work 10-15 hours a week, including afternoon, evening and some overnight shifts. They must complete a total of at least 135 hours, making them eligible for a 3-credit-hour internship.
TO APPLY
The process requires submission of a resume and an interview. Submit resume to the Strozier Library Reference Department Coordinator Karen Southwell <ksouthwell@fsu.edu>. When all resumes are reviewed, a pool of applicants will be chosen for interviews. Once interns are selected, they will contact Dr. Christie Koontz, <christie.koontz@cci.fsu.edu> to submit an internship application with the School of Library and Information Studies and to complete a learning contract.