Job Details
The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is a multi-mission science operations center for NASA s flagship observatories. Our world-class astronomical research center is based on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. (Click here to learn more about STScI). 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).
STScI is seeking a library intern to help STScI Library staff curate key documents that represent the heritage of astronomical observatories and developments around the world. In addition, the library intern will help with assessing additional items or series for retention or removal. If better suited to required coursework, the intern may choose to work in library marketing or basic technical processing and collection management. 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 this experience will qualify as work for credit. Hours are flexible 8 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 semester from early February late May 2024.
Duties & Responsibilities
With assistance from STScI Library staff, you will:
- Assess rarity of historical observatory publications or other collections (dissertations, star catalogs, NASA publications) based on OCLC worldwide holdings, originating organization, university holdings, and open web repositories.
- Maintain spreadsheet outlining holdings information, physical condition, digital representations, etc. for each publication series or dissertation.
- Make decisions on retaining, discarding, transferring, or identifying each publication series or dissertation for external digitization.
- Consult with library staff and other appropriate contacts to arrange for transfer and shipment of rare materials.
- Edit holdings within the library service platform (LSP).
- Enhance cataloging records for greater discoverability using templates provided by library staff.
- Perform physical processing including relabeling, shelving, and boxing for transfer.
- Contribute to technical library functions including inventory, verifying and updating documentation, assessing topical areas of the collection for refresh (deacquisition and acquisition) and other collection management duties.
- Contribute to library marketing functions such as redesigning library intranet pages to promote library services, and creating or updating templates and signage for marketing communications.
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), with regularly scheduled check-ins throughout the duration of the internship.
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.
- Recent graduates (past 12 months) may also apply.
- Please note previous experience working in a library is not required this is an entry level opportunity to give current students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain experience working in a special library.
- Familiarity with cataloging standards and protocols (Bibframe, RDA, MARC) 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: Share your experience by uploading a resume and completing an online application. Applications received by November 17, 2023 will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled.
Direct link:
Explore all career opportunities through our website at www.stsci.edu/opportunities
STScI offers a flexible and welcoming workspace for all. STScI embraces the diversity of our staff as a strategic priority in creating a first-rate community. We reflect this deep dedication by strongly encouraging women, ethnic minorities, veterans, and disabled individuals to apply for these opportunities. Veterans, disabled individuals, or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at ...@stsci.edu EOE/AA/M/F/D/V.
As a leader in the astronomical community, AURA is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp
As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below, as well as the requests for self-identification, are required under these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements for protection and assisting us in our record-keeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.
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