Program Overview
The Library of Congress Junior Fellows Summer Intern program offers undergraduate and graduate students insights into the environment and culture of the world's largest and most comprehensive repository of human knowledge. Working under the direction of Library curators and specialists in various divisions, interns explore and increase access to the institution’s unparalleled collections and resources. Interns are exposed to a broad spectrum of library work: copyright, preservation, reference, and access standards. In the past, summer interns have identified hundreds of historical, literary, artistic, cinematic and musical gems representing the Library’s rich cultural, creative and intellectual assets. No previous experience is necessary, but internships are competitive and special skills and or knowledge may be desired. Selections are based on academic achievement, letters of recommendation, and an interview with a selection official. For the 2012 season, project details will be discussed during interviews.
Program Profile
The focus of the 2012 program is on increasing access to collections and awareness of the Library's special, legal and copyright collections, making them better known and accessible to researchers including scholars, students, teachers, and the general public. Interns will help bring a wider awarness of digital initiatives at the Library and expose unprocessed collections, provide additional services, make our collections more immediately accessible to scholars, and increase public awareness to digital services and preservation projects. Upon completion of their assignments, interns work closely with Library specialists and curators to plan and display and discussion featuring their most significant discoveries. The Library of Congress is once again appreciative of the generosity of the late Mrs. Jefferson Patterson and the James Madison Council for making the Summer Intern Program possible.
Eligibility
Applicants must be U. S. citizens, currently enrolled in a degree-granting program of study at an accredited institution of higher learning at the undergraduate (college, university, or Tribal College) or graduate levels, or have graduated since August 2011 from an undergraduate or graduate program.
Terms
The 2012 summer internships will begin May 29, 2012 and end on August 3, 2012. The comprehensive orientation program scheduled during the first week includes training in conservation techniques and instructions for the safe handling of rare materials, many of which date back to the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. Interns will work full-time (40 hours per week), Monday through Friday, and will receive a taxable income of $300.00 per week.
Interns are temporary employees of the Library of Congress and are not eligible for Federal Employee benefits and privileges. However, they are protected by worker's compensation laws and eligible for a Transit Subsidy Program for qualified individuals who use the Metro System, Virginia Railway Express, MARC commuter trains, county and commercial buses, and qualified commercial van pools to commute to their jobs at the Library.
Application Process
Applications for the 2012 summer program are being accepted on USAJobs.gov from from January 30, 2012 through February 27, 2012.
Application Deadline
All applications (and supporting materials) must be received by the deadline February 27, 11:59 PM. Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
Selection Process
Applications will be forwarded to selecting officials in the Library who will arrange telephone interviews with promising applicants, based on materials submitted. Project details will be discussed during telephone interviews. After completion of the selection process those selected will be provided with detailed information on reporting for their internship.
The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.
