Internships

There are many paths to developing a rewarding career in libraries and archives. Professionals often share that they first discovered their passion for libraries and archives while working in their own college or university library during their time as students.

At Oberlin, we offer several opportunities and support for students to explore their interest in libraries and archives, gain hands-on experience, and receive support for graduate education in library and information science.

Oberlin College Libraries Interns

Apply to be an Oberlin College Libraries Intern and get practical, hands-on experience with how academic libraries support learning and research.

In collaboration with Career Exploration and Development, this paid, semester-long internship for current Oberlin students offers an opportunity to:

• Gain experience for 6–8 hours per week alongside librarians in the Research & Instruction team at Terrell Library.
• Rotate through different areas of librarianship, including:
  • Collection development (how libraries build their collections)
  • Teaching and information literacy
  • Social justice in libraries
  • Reference and research help
  • Outreach and programming
  • User experience (UX)
• Gain hands-on experience by completing a project in one of these areas.
• Build valuable, transferable skills in collaboration, communication, research support, project management, and UX.

The internship begins with an introduction to library history and values, followed by two-week rotations across various specialties. You’ll also:

• Provide research help at the desk for 4 hours each week.
• Meet regularly with your internship coordinator.
• Join discussions with librarians and explore readings on key topics.
• Have independent time for project-based work.

By the end of the semester, you’ll have a clearer sense of whether a career in libraries or information science is right for you—and you’ll have practical experience that’s relevant to many related fields.

How to Apply

• Application opening soon for spring 2026.
• Applicants should submit a current resume and a brief statement describing their interest in pursuing a career in libraries or a related field.
• Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview.

Dates

• Spring 2026 semester (February-May)

Pay

• $1,800 educational stipend, paid in two installments (February 1 and April 1)

Hours

• Weekday hours required
• 6-8 hours per week for 15 weeks
• Some evenings are possible on Monday-Thursday

Contact information

Clinton Baugess, Information Literacy and Assessment Librarian

cbaugess@oberlin.edu, 440-775-5026

Graduate Library School Scholarship

The Friends of the Oberlin College Libraries have established a graduate library school scholarship in the amount of $3,500 that will be awarded annually.

The scholarship may be awarded to any Oberlin graduate who shows promise in the field, but (in the interest of helping to diversify the library profession) some preference will be given to applicants from diverse cultural backgrounds. The scholarship recipient will be chosen by a committee composed of members of the Friends of the Libraries Council.

Eligibility

• You must be a graduate of Oberlin College & Conservatory.
• You must have been accepted at an accredited school of library and information science.

How to Apply

Application instructions are available from the Friends of the Libraries.