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How much do special collections intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for special collections intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects can a Special Collections Intern expect to work on, and how do these projects contribute to the overall mission of the library or archive?

As a Special Collections Intern, you will likely assist with processing archival materials, cataloging rare books or manuscripts, digitizing historical documents, and supporting preservation efforts. These projects help ensure that unique and valuable resources are accessible to researchers and preserved for future generations. Interns often collaborate with librarians, archivists, and researchers, gaining hands-on experience in handling delicate materials and learning about collection management. This role provides excellent exposure to archival standards, metadata creation, and public service, laying the groundwork for a potential career in libraries or archives.

What are Special Collections Interns?

Special Collections Interns are students or early-career professionals who assist in the management, preservation, and accessibility of rare and unique materials in libraries, archives, or museums. Their duties often include cataloging, digitizing, and handling rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and other archival materials. Interns may also support research requests, create finding aids, and help with exhibitions or outreach activities. This position provides valuable hands-on experience for those interested in library science, archival studies, or museum work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Special Collections Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Special Collections Intern, you generally need coursework in library science, archival studies, or a related field, along with strong research and organizational skills. Familiarity with archival management systems, digitization tools, and cataloging standards such as DACS or EAD is often expected. Attention to detail, discretion, and strong communication skills help you handle rare materials and interact with researchers effectively. These competencies ensure the preservation, accessibility, and proper stewardship of valuable and often fragile collections.
What cities are hiring for Special Collections Intern jobs? Cities with the most Special Collections Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Special Collections jobs? The most popular types of Special Collections jobs are:
What states have the most Special Collections Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Special Collections Intern jobs include:
Special Collections Intern jobs near you

Graduate Intern - Special Collections

Huntsville Public Library

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$17.50/hr

Internship

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Internship
Description
POSITION TITLE: Graduate Intern, Special Collections
The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is a non-profit library system comprised of ten locations providing library and information services to the city of Huntsville and the surrounding Madison County area. HMCPL is seeking a Graduate Intern to aid in digitization and processing projects.
The ideal candidate will be well-organized, passionate about archives and libraries, and excited to connect the community with historical resources.
LOCATION:
Special Collections Department at the Downtown Huntsville Public Library
915 Monroe Street SW
Huntsville, AL 35801
HOURS AND COMPENSATION: This is a 120-hour internship, with a pay rate of $17.50 per hour ($2,100 overall, subject to taxes). This position does not provide benefits. General schedule is subject to negotiation. This position is scheduled to start in June 2026.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
This is professional work developing archival skills within a specialized library department. Assists in digitization projects, processing archival materials, and other skill-building tasks that result in complete work products for the intern. The position requires that the intern have basic knowledge of archival practices. This position is classified as Non-exempt for the purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the direction of the manager of HMCPL Special Collections.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None
PROJECT DETAILS: The graduate intern will digitize a portion of the Photographs Collection, an archival collection within the HMCPL Special Collections Department. The intern will produce high-resolution scans of each photograph, create metadata, and carefully organize and label the digital files. The intern will use the images scanned to produce a minimum of five digital photograph collections to be shared on the HMCPL Special Collections online archival database, complete with curated descriptions and history/biographical information. The internship is a piece of a larger effort to process and digitize the entirety of the HMCPL Photographs Collection. Funding for this internship is provided by a Huntsville-Madison County Library Foundation grant.
Work products will include:
  • Digitization of historical photographs
  • Creation of metadata for historical photographs
  • Enable researcher access to digitized photographs through online and onsite Special Collections platforms
  • Curated digital photograph collections to be shared through online Special Collections platforms
  • Brief article on the collection and its importance, with potential for publication within Library system
  • Additional projects as time and resources allow.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Professionalism- Represents the mission and goals of the library while working with community partners.
  • Teamwork- Works well with Special Collections staff and staff of community partners to accomplish project goals.
  • Skill-building- Has a base knowledge of archival best practices. Open to learning new archival skills and practices, including:
  • digitization mechanics
  • processing archival materials
  • interacting with archives databases
  • Analysis- Demonstrates an ability to think critically. Able to read, analyze, and contextually interpret historical documentation, including working knowledge of cursive handwriting and/or historical script.

Specialized Expertise:
  • Works directly with the department head to oversee the care and preservation of the Library's Archives including assessing materials for preservation, research and application of conservation practices as needed and assisting patrons with the use of the archives for research purposes.
  • Provides research assistance and services to customers; completes historical research and prepares research for display, presentation, and/or future use by customers.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS: Participates in special projects as assigned.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires sitting at a computer for extended periods of time. Requires standing, walking, reaching, climbing, stooping, and lifting/carrying items generally not exceeding 40 pounds. Must possess the vision required to read printed materials and a computer screen. Must possess the ability to hear and speak both in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Generally, involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of office environments. Special Collections environs may also include exposure to allergens such as dust and mold.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
General knowledge of professional archival principles, methods, materials, and practices; general knowledge of automated and computerized archives systems; ability to analyze and solve problems with guidance; competence in oral and written communications; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, associates, corporate representatives, officials of other agencies; proficiency with current computer programs and internet.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Must be enrolled in a Master's Degree program in History, Public History, or Library Science (archival focus preferred) from an accredited college or university. Prior experience in digitization projects preferred, though not required. Base knowledge of archival best practices.
This job description is not nor is it intended to be a complete state of all duties, functions, and responsibilities that comprise this position. Intern may be expected to perform additional duties that may not be reflected in this description.
The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Revised: 5/2026
Salary Description
$17.50/hr, 120-hour internship

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