INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Library Cataloging and Metadata Graduate Intern

CompanyMuseum of Fine Arts
LocationBoston
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJuly 14, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will research, inventory, and catalog the Axelrod Collection and a non-circulating photobook collection to improve discoverability. Responsibilities include creating metadata in FOLIO, developing research guides, and documenting library donations.
Internship Type
temporary hourly
Company Size
980
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
20 hours
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About The Company
The MFA is open. Open to new ideas that broaden our perspectives. Open to every visitor, from the curious to the lifelong learner. Open to new possibilities discovered through art. Showcasing ancient artistry and modern masterpieces, local legends and global visionaries, our renowned collection of nearly 500,000 works tells the story of the human experience—a story that holds unique meaning for everyone. We welcome diverse perspectives, both within the artwork and among our visitors. Where many worldviews meet, new ways of seeing, thinking, and understanding emerge. The conversations we inspire bring people together—revealing connections, exploring differences, and creating a community where all belong.
About the Role

The William Morris Hunt Memorial Library has served as the research library of the Museum of Fine Arts since 1870, established at the museum's founding. The library consists of the Main library and nine curatorial department libraries. Together, these collections encompass more than 300,000 items across locations. The library supports research related to the museum’s permanent collections, special exhibitions, art history, provenance, and related fields by providing museum staff, scholars, and researchers with comprehensive access to materials spanning centuries of artistic practice and scholarship. 

The library is seeking a graduate level intern to assist in the research and cataloging of a collection of books donated by prominent Boston art collector and MFA philanthropist, John P. Axelrod. This collection reflects Axelrod’s support of American Art and advocacy for underrepresented artists. Additionally, the intern will assist in processing and organization of a collection of non-circulating photobooks located in the Prints, Drawings, and Photography Department, as well as other gift collections donated to the library.

Under the supervision of the Director of Libraries and Technical Services Librarian, the intern will also work alongside various department members. This internship focuses on providing experience in collection analysis, copy cataloging, and metadata creation helping to make library materials discoverable and accessible for staff, scholars, and researchers. This role also offers numerous opportunities to build a professional network with information professionals. 

Ideal candidates must be able to commit to work onsite 18-20 hours weekly within 9am-4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday between September 18 and December 11. Graduate interns are required to attend the following professional development sessions during the semester: Orientation on Sept 11, Meet the Leadership Team (date to be announced at orientation), and Final Presentations on Dec 4. They are welcome to attend any other sessions that appeal to them. 

The intern will be paid at a rate of $19.95 per hour and will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy which is subject to tax withholdings.

As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution and fostering the next generation of museum staff, the MFA actively encourages students from all backgrounds to apply to the program.

Essential Functions: 

Cataloging and Metadata Projects

  • Inventory the Axelrod Collection
  • Identify duplicated items within the WMH library collection. 
  • Add copies to existing records and/or create new instances in FOLIO.
  • Document and process the collection.
  • Participate in the full life cycle of other library donations and special collections, including inventorying, cataloging, and processing.

Photobook Collection Access Project

  • Research, catalog, and improve physical housing for the photobook collection.
  • Create research guides for collections to improve access to resources.
  • Document and process the collection as needed. 
  • Research best practices for digital collections and collection guides.

General

  • Prepare and deliver a 3-minute synoptic presentation on the internship as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course.

Qualifications:  

  • Currently enrolled in or recently graduated (i.e., within one year from start of internship) from a 
     graduate program in Library Science, 
     Museum Studies, or a related field 
  • Familiarity with library service platforms 
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills 
  • Strong Interest in collection management, metadata, or archival processing 
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively across departments. 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work onsite 18-20 hours per week, within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters, between Sept 11 – Dec 11. 
    • Graduate interns are required to attend the following professional development sessions during the semester: Orientation on Sept 11, Meet the Leadership Team (date to be announced at orientation), and Final Presentations on Dec 4. They are welcome to attend any other sessions that appeal to them.
  • Ability to attend orientation on Fri, Sept 11, 2026, 10am to 3:30pm. 

How to Apply

DO NOT INCLUDE any document (e.g., transcripts, writing samples, or even recommendations), that is not specifically requested within this description. DO NOT INCLUDE your photo in your resume or cover letter. Explicitly follow these instructions as printed. 

  1. Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document, (Word or PDF). The cover letter must includeall of the following:
    1. the title of the internship for which you are applying (one internship per application)
    2. how the named internship fits into your academic and/or career goals
    3. why your specific skills/experience/interests qualify you for the internship.
    4. any periods when you are not available for an interview. 
    5. your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone 
  1. Save your document file as (LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_POSITIONTITLE_Fall2026)
  1. Upload the single document as your resume via the employment portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP before August 15, 2026. 
  1. Candidates may apply for no more than two internships per season and must submit a separate cover letter/resume document for each position. 
  2. **Direct any/all questions to: intern@mfa.org before submitting your application. 
**Applications not aligning with these guidelines may be deemed ineligible.   
Key Skills
CatalogingMetadata CreationCollection AnalysisCopy CatalogingArchival ProcessingInventory ManagementResearchOrganizational SkillsWritten CommunicationVerbal CommunicationCollaborationCollection Management
Categories
Art & DesignEducationScience & ResearchAdministrativeData & Analytics
Benefits
Transportation Subsidy