Intern - Special collections Library

TITLE: Intern - Special Collections Library 

LOCATION: History Center - 345 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102

COMPENSATION: $16.50 hourly

HOURS: This is a part-time, temporary position from approximately June 8, 2026 to August 30, 2026. A part-time intern must be available to work 15 hours per week. This position offers a flexible work schedule, coordinated with the intern’s school schedule and operational needs. Preferred working hours are 3+ hour shifts T-F between 9 am - 4:30 pm, with occasional Saturdays.

POSTING DATE: March 3, 2026

DEADLINE DATE: March 23, 2026

SEMINAR EVENTS: Interns are required to participate in three, in-person seminars focused on professional development, learning how cultural organizations operate, and building a network of industry professionals. At the end of the semester, interns complete a final presentation to share their work.

           Please ensure you are available for these dates when applying:

• Thursday, June 18 from 11:30am-1:00pm

• Thursday, July 21 from 1:00-3:00pm

• Thursday, August 13 from 3:30-5:30pm

• Final Presentations: Thursday, August 27 from 11:00am-1:00pm

TO APPLY: Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a cover letter, resume, and any required additional materials by the application deadline date.  

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE: 

• A list of already-completed MLIS, research-based, or related coursework. 

DESCRIPTION:  The Intern will experience work in a busy Special Collections/Archival environment, including participating in daily library activities, completing projects related to public access of MNHS collections items, and developing a network of contacts in the library field. Ongoing projects will vary and likely include developing research guides and analyzing reference tools for improvement. The Intern will also shadow at various service desks, work at the Library’s registration desk, and learn about other types of library work that interest them (from other Library, Archives, and Collections Division departments).

RESPONSIBILITIES:  1) Under guidance, communicate with members of the public via in-person interactions at the Library Registration Desk; 2) Learn and use various types of library computer software; 3) Use various types of regular office software (documents, spreadsheets, etc.) to support assigned projects; 4) Conduct assisted research utilizing  catalogs, search systems, and databases; 5) Develop skills in selecting and prioritizing collection materials for inclusion in learning tools based on standards.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student, or have graduated within the past 12 months at the time of application.

• Ideal candidates might be currently pursuing, or a graduate with a degree in the following areas: Library/Info Science graduate program attendee, History or Public History, Social Science or Humanities Degree with Primary Source Research

• Knowledge of library catalogs and research, through coursework and/or experience.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Ability to work well both as a part of a team and independently.

• Excellent customer service skills.

Should you have questions with the application process, email internships@mnhs.org or call 651-259-3191.   

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, interns, volunteers, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.