Library Internship
Paid Internship (12 months)
RCPI Heritage Centre
Salary €20,649
Reference Number RCPI 39-18
RCPI’s Heritage Centre manages a nationally important collection of historic archives, printed material and objects relating to the history of medicine in Ireland. This includes Dun’s Library, a historical medical library of c.20,000 items dating from 1520s to 1950s. The Heritage Centre is currently undertaking a major review of Dun’s Library, involving the standardisation of existing finding aids, and the creation of new records for previously un-catalogued material, using the open source cataloguing software KOHA. As part of the review a full preservation audit of the collections is being undertaken.
RCPI’s Heritage Centre is offering a one-year Library Internship offering an opportunity to gain experience of working with an historic library collection, and within the wider Heritage Centre. The Keeper of Collection will mentor the Intern for the duration of the placement, providing initial training and ongoing support, and ensure that the Intern has the opportunity to learn and apply agreed skills in the workplace. The will also be the opportunity to attend other training course/workshops as required.
This internship is an ideal opportunity for someone who has recently completed, or is intending to complete, post-graduate library training, and wants to gain some firsthand experience of library work.
The Library Intern will report to, and be mentored by, the College’s Keeper of Collections.
Duties will involve, but are not limited to:
- Standardising and updating existing library catalogue records
- Creating new catalogue records for previously uncatalogued library material
- Assessing and recording preservation needs of library material
- Providing reading room services and answering research enquiries
- Assisting in the Heritage Centre’s public engagement programme, including tours, talks, exhibitions, open days
- Contributing to the Heritage Centre Social Media presence
- Assisting with preparation for Library & Heritage Committee Meetings, attending the meeting and taking minutes
- Horizon scanning of similar organisations to identify possible opportunities/ideas for future development
Person Specification
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work in an organised and productive way, with strong attention to detail
- Self-starter with high motivation and the ability to work flexibly on own initiative to achieve goals within agreed timeframes.
- Excellent IT skills
- Relevant third level qualification
- A demonstrable interest in librarianship and a willingness to make the most of the experience
- Previous Library experience is desirable, but not essential.
Application Requirement
Candidates should submit a cover letter together with a full CV to include to jobs@rcpi.ie quoting reference RCPI 39-18.
