Internship — The Richards Library (Warrensburg, NY)

Posted by Christopher Landbeck on

Internship Available: The Richards Library, Warrensburg NY Spring, Summer or Fall 2016– $500 Stipend

Part I: The Richards Library

The Richards Library was a gift to the community of Warrensburg by Mary Richards Kellogg and her sister Clara Richards; over the 114 years of its existence, The Richards Library has had several renovations—the most recent update occurred in 2013, doubling its size. The library serves approximately 5000 community members and has a membership just under 2000; we average about 1600 visits a month with a circulation total of approximately 1700 per month.

Part II: Intern Qualifications, Experience and Skills

The Student/Intern must have completed at least three-quarters of their program or be in the last two (2) semesters of their program of study. Applicants must present a professional image, be well-spoken, punctual, friendly, polite, computer literate, willing to assist patrons and staff, and have the confidence to offer suggestions to improve service and efficiency if a deficit is observed. The Student/Intern is not only a student, but an instructor.

Part III: Preferred Hours/Days of Availability

The Richards Library Hours of Operation are as follows: Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM, Tuesday and Thursday, 9 AM-7 PM, Saturday, 9 AM-Noon and closed on Sunday.

Part IV: Goal

The goal of this internship is to provide the Student/Intern with a comprehensive introduction and real world learning experience in the operation and management of a Public Library. In order to attain this stated goal, the Student/Intern will need to accomplish the following tasks under the instruction of the Director and Staff of The Richards Library:

  • Understand the programs, services and collection available through the Richards Library.
  • Work with the staff and assist library patrons.
  • Meet the Board of Trustees and learn about the roles and responsibilities of the trustees.
  • Learn about the different functions of the Integrated Library System (POLARIS) and learn how to use it for circulation, OPAC, statistics and other related purposes.
  • Assist patrons locate library materials in the library and help re-shelve those items.
  • Understand the need to collect library statistics and analyze data for decision making.
  • Assist the Director in developing and writing monthly reports to the Board of Trustees.
  • Develop, administer, publicize and host scheduled programs for the public and assist in the Children’s Story Times.
  • Learn how to order library materials and other supplies.
  • Help develop the library calendar and promote library programs through the library’s website and newspaper articles.
  • Become familiar and work with laptops, workstations and other technology utilized by the library.
  • Learn how to develop and provide one-on-one digital literacy instruction

Inquires should be sent to: War-Director@sals.edu