Library Internship

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is a multi-mission science and operations center for NASA’s flagship observatories on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland, with 800+ employees. Learn more about our missions.

This position can support hybrid work. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market. (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV).

This position requires US Citizenship or Permanent Residence in order to meet ITAR requirements.

STScI is seeking a Library Intern to help assess and maintain library collections representing the heritage of astronomy around the world. The intern may also assist with library outreach and communications promoting information and resources for library users.  This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a variety of areas at a specialized library. Upon completion, a letter of recommendation (based on performance) will be provided.

Please check with your local university to confirm whether this experience will qualify as work for credit. Hours are flexible 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Mon-Fri, on-site. The intern will be expected to work 6-12 total hours per week depending on availability and university credit requirements, with an on-site presence at least one day per week. The duration of the internship is one academic year from September 2025  – May 2026.

Duties & Responsibilities

With assistance from STScI Library staff, you will contribute to a range of ongoing collection management projects.  You will:

• Assist with weeding 20^th century print books by editing holdings within the library service platform (LSP) and performing physical processing for book withdrawal.
• Research the worldwide availability of historic observatory publications in order to apply a decision-making framework and recommend publications to be retained or removed from the collection.
• Collaborate with STScI Library and Archives staff to relocate books, journal issues, or other materials that could be better maintained by or that originated from organizations outside STScI.

You will also have the opportunity to contribute to library communications, for example, writing articles for newsletters and conducting research for digital displays. 

Supervision

Works under the general direction of the Collection Management Librarian or Deputy Branch Manager for the STScI Library after initial training (~2-4 weeks).

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in libraries or information science.
• Candidates enrolled in an accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Library Science/Information Science or similar, will be given preference.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and using and manipulating data on a spreadsheet is preferred.
• Familiarity with databases (ex: OCLC WorldCat) or experience with a library catalog system (ILS, LSP) is beneficial, but training will be provided by STScI Library staff where needed.
• Ability to follow through on a documented process or workflow with multiple steps or phases.
• Demonstrates decision-making skills and ask for assistance as appropriate.

 

TO APPLY: Please upload a resume, cover letter using the link below.

https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/SPA1004AURA/JobBoard/93330e50-7b3a-4ba8-94f2-6f32360aa4e1/Opportunity/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=4fb9e210-f59e-443a-8fa3-38852b65c1b3

Applications received by May 09, 2025 will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled.

 

 

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