Community Connections Internship

Southeastern NY Library Resources Council is seeking an Intern for the Community Connections Shadow Program. The internship is 150 total hours during the Spring 2026 semester. The Intern will work with the Program and Outreach Manager to administer the Shadow Program, a program that allows member library workers to visit other libraries, archives, and cultural heritage institutions in the 8-county service area of Southeastern. 

Required:

• Current enrollment in an MLS, MSIS, or related graduate program.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge, interest, or connections to the communities served by local libraries

Stipend:
$2,500 upon successful completion of the 150-hour internship. We offer a flexible, weekly schedule over a 16-week period from mid-January 2026 to mid-May 2026.

Application Process:
Please send the following documents in .pdf format (separately or combined together) to [email protected]:

• Your Resume.
• A letter of interest describing your studies and your connection to the communities we serve.
• The name and contact information of a person, other than a relative, who knows you well and can be a reference. The reference can be a current or former teacher, employer, or community leader. Include the person’s name, school, workplace, or organization through which they know you, and contact information, including phone and/or email.

Applications will be reviewed upon submission. The application period closes on November 14, 2025, at 12:00 pm.

About the Internship:

Southeastern seeks a graduate student in an MLS, MSIS, or similar course of study to administer the shadow program, which connects area library workers with other regional libraries. This project-based internship will give an individual an opportunity to collaborate with Southeastern staff and members. The intern will create, administer, and conclude a complete project for Southeastern’s member libraries.

We seek candidates with confirmed competencies and experience with defined communities represented in our membership. Libraries in our region welcome all and reflect the diverse culture and heritage of the area, including but not limited to, Black/African American, Asian/Pacific American, First Nations/Native American, Latin/Hispanic, first-generation college students, LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, and neurodivergent individuals. Past library experience is not needed for this internship, but direct experience and connections with communities in the region and an interest in librarianship are required. A qualified candidate for the internship will also have a deep curiosity about library workers and the broad scope of work available within the profession.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Administer the Southeastern Shadow Program
• Learn about Southeastern’s membership and service area.
• Work with the Programs and Outreach Manager to design the scope of the shadow program.
• Create email communication to be sent to Southeastern members to promote the program.
• Communicate with individuals who sign up for the program to provide them with the necessary details to complete their projects.
• Follow up with participants as necessary.
• Travel to participating libraries to gather supporting material such as photos, interviews, or on-site support.
• Draft a newsletter article highlighting the program’s impact.
• Write a report (3-5 pages) with conclusions about the program’s implementation.

Qualifications
To perform this intership successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and competencies below represent the required knowledge, skill, and ability.

• Communication: Ability to express ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; reads and listens for clarification; responds well to questions; speaks or writes clearly to report, persuade, and advocate; responds positively to criticism or negative situations; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in meetings.
• Innovation: Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas; presents ideas and information in a manner that brings attention.
• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Professionalism: Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continually build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others.

More details:

Most work will be performed at Southeastern NY Library Resources Council in Highland, New York. Additional travel within the Council’s service area may be required to meet with individuals at participating libraries.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Applications will be reviewed upon submission. The application period closes on November 14, 2025, at 12:00 pm.