American Planning Association Internship, Chicago

Internship / Fieldwork opportunity for MLS student

Merriam Center Library of the American Planning Association (Special Library)

Job Description:

The Merriam Center Library of the American Planning Association seeks a student intern for the Fall, Spring, or Summer sessions of the 2008-2009 school year. This internship provides a unique opportunity for an MLS student to gain experience in a variety of facets of librarianship including cataloging, collection development, website design, research, and user services in a specialized library setting. The Library serves a research staff engaged in many cutting-edge projects in service of urban & regional planners and the planning profession.

Duties:

Under the supervision of the Librarian, the Intern can contribute to several ongoing projects including: Migration to an automated, integrated library system; Development and design of a new Library website; Collection development initiatives designed to serve our National Centers for Planning with current emphasis on Green Communities, Hazards Planning, and Planning & Public Health; Revision and maintenance of our own in-house APA classification system used to organize books, pamphlets, reports, & vertical file materials at a level of practical detail of use to planners and researchers; Other projects as agreed upon by the Intern and Librarian.

Full/Part Time & Hours: Part Time – Hours: Negotiable, depending upon student’s university requirements.

Requirements:

We are looking for a tech-savvy, creative, hardworking individual eager to delve into the world of special libraries. Enrollment in an MLS degree program required. Academic background in social sciences, planning, or a related field preferred. Knowledge of Library of Congress Classification, AACR cataloguing standards, and ability to learn APA’s own classification system required. Excellent organizational, communication, and writing skills and the ability to work independently are required.

This position is an unpaid learning opportunity. The schedule is flexible depending upon the student’s course schedule and the practicum course hour requirements of the student’s university.

Interested students are encouraged to contact the Librarian to discuss interests and options for the practicum.

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and list of 3 professional or academic references via email to Rana Salzmann, Librarian.

Salary: This is an unpaid learning opportunity for students in an MLS program.

Contact Information

Rana Salzmann