Internship — Education Commons in Franklin Field (Philadelphia)

Posted by Christopher Landbeck on

Employer: University of Pennsylvania Libraries

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Title: Education Commons Intern
AVAILABILITY: 1 one-year position, starting as soon as possible.

SALARY: $15/hour.

HOURS: 20 hours per week, including regular weekly weekend and evening shifts.

OVERVIEW:

The Education Commons is a library facility located in Franklin Field on Penn’s campus, with a variety of open study spaces and group study rooms. The EC includes a variety of high-tech capabilities. The EC supports collaborative student learning and teaching.

Under the supervision of the Education Commons Librarian, the Intern will provide direct support to library patrons and staff a public services desk. Primary requirements are the ability to work independently, comfort working with patrons, familiarity with technology and software, and flexibility.

Interns will assist in the day to day operation of the Commons. The majority of the Intern’s time will be spent at the front desk. Common duties will include:

  • Supervision of the space
  • Assisting patrons with technical issues
  • Explaining and implementing Commons policies
  • Teaching regular workshops on library and technology skills
  • Facilitating usage of the Commons by partner groups
  • Writing for blog, social media, and library websites

Interns will spend time each week in cross-training and desk staffing at the Weigle Information Commons. Additional duties may include project-based work dependent on the intern’s skills and interests, including website updates, outreach and publicity. Interns will be expected to proactively discover and learn emerging instructional and library technologies and topics.

REQUIREMENTS: Evening and weekend hours are expected. Interns must be able to work at least one weekday night. This position is intended for current MLS or MLIS graduate students.

  • Enrollment in a graduate program in library science or related field.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. Strong public services orientation.
  • Attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple tasks, learn quickly, and take initiative.
  • Comfortable with spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel), Facebook Pages, Twitter, other social media, and smart phones.
  • Experience, or motivation to gain experience in, graphics, digital photography, digital video, and Web authoring applications desirable.
  • Prior academic research experience helpful.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to:
Elizabeth Martin
martinev@pobox.upenn.edu
Please write “Education Commons Internship” in the e-mail subject line.

The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.