INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Cataloging Intern

CompanyThe Poetry Foundation
LocationChicago
Work ModeOn Site
PostedFebruary 19, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The Cataloging Intern will primarily support the Library team by performing copy and original cataloging for the library’s extensive collections, which include chapbooks, broadsides, and special collections. Additionally, the intern will assist with covering the reference desk as needed.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
174
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
10 hours
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About The Company
The Poetry Foundation recognizes the power of words to transform lives. We work to amplify poetry and celebrate poets by fostering spaces for all to create, experience, and share poetry. Publisher of POETRY magazine.
About the Role

Description

The Poetry Foundation is seeking a part-time cataloging intern to support the Library team. The cataloging intern is a part-time temporary position, under the guidance of the library director. Primary responsibilities include copy and original cataloging for the library’s collections. The Cataloging Intern will also assist with covering the reference desk as needed. The library collection consists of over 40,000 items, including chapbooks, broadsides, and special collections. It is one of the largest collections of poetry in the Midwest.

Requirements

A well-matched candidate will bring the following experience and skills:
  • Currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate study of a Library Science program, or have recently completed a degree program;
  • Completion of at least one cataloging course;
  • Comfortable working independently, with good organization skills and basic knowledge of office software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Excel, or Google Sheets).

Schedule

The cataloging intern will work 10 hours per week, to be scheduled on one weekday and one Saturday. The cataloging intern is required to work onsite at the Foundation. This internship lasts for six months.


Compensation: $18/ hour


Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

  • Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting for prolonged periods in an indoor office environment;
  • Ability to navigate through various offices and rooms in the building;
  • Communicating with others to exchange information and perform duties;
  • Ability to read materials on a computer screen;
  • Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers;
  • Moderate noise level consistent with an office environment.


Equal Opportunity: The Poetry Foundation values the perspectives and talents of a diverse staff and is committed to creating a workplace where employees thrive both personally and professionally. The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and employs personnel without regard to race, color, age, pregnancy, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, veteran status, marital status, disability, or any other bases protected by law.


If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application, please e-mail us at hr@poetryfoundation.org.

Key Skills
Copy CatalogingOriginal CatalogingOrganization SkillsOffice SoftwareMicrosoft WordGoogle DocsExcelGoogle Sheets
Categories
Creative & MediaAdministrativeArt & Design