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Special Collections Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART

CURATORIAL INTERN

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$12.75 - $17.25/hr

Conducting research on upcoming special exhibitions * Conducting research on artworks and artists ... Learn about SAMA's extensive collection and the process of collections cataloguing and display ...

Patricia Nash Designs

Design Intern

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$12 - $15/hr

... collections that combine rich materials, distinctive details, and everyday functionality. Position ... Participate in team meetings and support special projects as needed. Qualifications * Currently ...

University of Pennsylvania

$15 - $20/hr

... collections analysis, etc. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: * Support ... Special Requirements A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made.

Prairie Band LLC

Local Operations Intern

Holton, KS · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Learn propane business operations including billing, collections, and customer service processes ... Participate in training opportunities and mentorship activities. * Assist with special projects and ...

Prairie Band LLC

Local Operations Intern

Holton, KS · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Learn propane business operations including billing, collections, and customer service processes ... Participate in training opportunities and mentorship activities. * Assist with special projects and ...

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How much do special collections intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 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Intern, you will likely assist with processing archival materials, cataloging rare books or manuscripts, digitizing historical documents, and supporting preservation efforts.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.
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Special Collections Intern jobs near you
[Fall 2026] Research Resources - Library Internship

[Fall 2026] Research Resources - Library Internship

Whitney Museum of American Art

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

The Whitney’s Academic Year Internship program offers a semester-long paid internship for Graduate students enrolled in MLIS or related programs. The internship will begin on September 15, 2026, and end on December 5, 2026. Participants must be available two weekdays days per week for a 10 to 5 workday. Interns are assigned to a specific department at the Museum for the duration of the internship.  

For more information, including information on eligibility requirements, please visit our internships page.   

The application window for our Fall 2026 Ostrover Family Academic Internship is now open through August 14. Please note that all candidates will be considered on a rolling basis, and as such, some opportunities may close before the deadline.      

The Whitney seeks a Research Resources: Library intern for the Fall 2026 semester.

Expected Projects & Assignments
  • Create original and copy cataloging in MARC for library materials
  • Create preservation housings for Library Special Collections materials
  • Assist with providing in-person and remote reference services
  • Assist with the circulation of library materials
  •  Assist with supervising the reading room and on-site researchers
  • Assist with reference inquiries from staff and external researchers

Skills & Qualifications
  • Ideal candidate is a current student or recent graduate who has completed at least one semester in a Library and Information Science program, or related graduate program
  • Experience with library cataloging (MARC, RDA, LCSH, LC classification) and/or preservation a plus
  • Interest in modern and contemporary American art and museum work
  • Ability to work independently with attention to detail
  • Experience with conducting research using an ILS
  • Ability to lift cartons (up to 30lbs) is helpful
  • Graduate students enrolled in MLIS or related programs are eligible.
  • While a demonstrated interest in art and art history is preferred, students in all majors are encouraged to apply
  • Previous museum experience is not required

Provided Training
  • General art library policies and procedures
  • Use of our OPAC, WhitneyCat, and Koha ILS
  • Library cataloging and MARC/RDA metadata creation
  • Basics of hands-on preservation rehousing for a variety of library materials
  • Reference and user services skills.
Outcomes
  • First-hand experience in multiple areas related to the operations of library a museum setting
  • An understanding of how the Whitney’s research collections support unique areas of inquiry
  • The opportunity to work with both Whitney staff researchers and visiting scholars
  • Increased knowledge of metadata, reference, and circulation of library resources

Compensation
Interns will be paid a stipend of $3000.
Generous support for Ostrover Family Academic Year Interns is provided by Julie and Doug Ostrover.
If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates. Whether you’re new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in the arts and culture space and what you hope to bring to this role. 
About the Whitney:
The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. From her vision arose the Whitney Museum of American Art, which has been championing the most innovative art of the United States for 86 years. The core of the Whitney’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art of our time and serve a wide variety of audiences in celebration of the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States. Through this mission and a steadfast commitment to artists themselves, the Whitney has long been a powerful force in support of modern and contemporary art and continues to help define what is innovative and influential in American art today.
EEO Statement:
The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, pregnancy, partnership status, caregiver status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, predisposition, or carrier status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, or any other factor prohibited by law.  The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

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