Information Desk and Departmental Library Intern

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title

Information Desk and Departmental Library Intern

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary

The University of Pennsylvania Libraries seeks energetic Interns to participate as members of our Academic Engagement and Departmental Libraries teams, receive mentoring by a progressive and seasoned team of professional librarians, and jump-start their careers as information professionals! These interns will serve at the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center Information Desk, provide basic reference assistance, research referrals, and informational and directional assistance. Interns will also have the opportunity to further develop their skills by working on projects that could range from: systematic reviews, outreach programming, exhibits, research impact assessment, collections analysis, etc. Interns will participate in the Libraries’ chat and email reference services. Interns may serve at one or more departmental libraries including the Atwood Veterinary Medicine, Levy Dental Medicine, Fisher Fine Arts, and the Penn Museum Libraries. This position will last for 12 months and Interns will work up to 20 hours per week with some hours on nights and weekends.

Job Description

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Staffing the Van Pelt Dietrich Information Desk by providing reference and directional assistance, directing patrons/visitors to staff for further assistance.
• Chat service, and reference ticket response.
• Assisting with a variety of services at Dept. Libraries including: systematic reviews outreach programming, circulation desk coverage, social media, exhibits, research impact assessment, collections analysis, instructional sessions.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Current graduate student in ALA accredited library or information science program or another graduate studies program.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong service orientation and willingness to troubleshoot.
• Desire to learn, adapt quickly, and work independently.
• Desire to explore working in a variety of fields including health sciences, anthropology, archaeology, arts, design, or architecture.
• Desire to work in libraries and support a diverse aca