Established in 1818, the New York State Library is comprised of two major units: the Research Library and the Division of Library Development. The Division of Library Development works in partnership with the state’s 72 library systems to bring cost-effective, high quality library services to the millions who use New York’s 7,000 academic, public, school and special libraries. Staff experts work with librarians, trustees, public officials, and local leaders to solve problems and find new ways of making library services and resources available to their communities. Library Development administers more than $130 million in state and federal aid to New York’s libraries and helps libraries take full advantage of federal and private funding programs.
Coordinate weekly family-friendly Library programming onsite at the Cultural Education Center; coordinate weekly storytime schedule andÌýthemes with other Cultural Education units or with local public libraries; deliver storytime sessions on a regular basis. Support the Division of Library Development's Outreach and Statewide Services teams, providing assistance on statewide initiatives on a range of topics, with a focus on youth services and summer reading. Assist with other Library Development projects as needed. Assist with creation and updating of outreach materials; review website resources for accuracy and timeliness; review Youth Services website content; draft blog posts; assist with facilitation of webinars or training sessions by helping to monitor chat, take and track attendance, create and send out certificates. Activities will include but are not limited to: data collection, research, analysis and presentation, website and social media content, use of online systems and PR and communications.Ìý
Interns will meet with Division of Library Development staff to learn more about the unit's operations, policies and procedures. Students will also learn about a varitey of statewide library programs within Library Development and the Office of Cultural Education. Students learn about state and federal programs related to improving library services. Students receive tours, participate in team, unit, Library-wide, OCE and SED staff meetings, attend Regents meetings and other professional meetings as appropriate, to help them better understand the scope of New York State Library statewide services and programs. They will also receive training in agency and office procedures, use of SED email and agency software and any online resources needed to carry out their assignments or projects.Ìý
Preference may be given to students who are pursuing a Masters in Library or Information Science, and/or those who are interested in working in a library environment after graduation. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products as well as strong written and oral communication skills are highly desirable. The ideal candidate for this position should also have good organizational skills and some familiarity with children's literature and services to families and children as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.Ìý
Must be available to work on-site Wednesday mornings. Interns will work no more than 29 hours each week; schedules will be made in conjunction with the supervisor.
This is an unpaid position; we are happy to work with students to earn academic credit for their internship.
To apply, students must submit their resume, transcript, cover letter, and signed application to INTERNSHIPS@nysed.gov, referencing job ID OCE-SU26-3U in their email subject line. Applications will only be considered complete if they have been signed by both the student. Failure to follow these instructions will result in delayed or denied consideration.
Sharon Phillips