Preservation Services Internship
Dates: June 2 – August 2, 2025
Duties and Responsibilities:
This internship offers hands-on experience in preserving Harvard’s library and archives materials and equips interns with skills to preserve personal, family, and community histories. Preservation ensures that individual voices and lived experiences transcend their original time and place.
The work includes:
- Participating in preservation projects involving historical materials.
- Writing blog posts and editing website content.
- Supporting and leading public presentations.
- Attending informational meetings and conducting background research.
Projects will be tailored to match the intern’s interests and abilities, ranging from broad exposure to preservation activities to a focused experience within specific preservation units. Topics may include:
- Preparing items for exhibition.
- Constructing protective enclosures.
- Preserving digital files and audiovisual materials.
- Preventing damage to cultural heritage materials.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a passion for history and culture and an interest in learning new preservation skills. Prior preservation experience is not required.
Qualifications:
Basic:
- HS diploma and current enrollment or completed bachelor’s/master’s degree in Library Science, Museum Studies, History, or a related field.
Additional:
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information.
- Interest in diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- Flexibility and adaptability.
- Willingness to perform repetitive tasks (e.g., filing).
- Previous internship or office experience (preferred but not required).
Physical Requirements:
- Must remain stationary 50% of the time.
- Occasional movement within the office to access files and equipment.
Work Location and Environment:
- Based on-site in Cambridge, MA, with the possibility of a hybrid work model compliant with Harvard University policies.
- Work location is determined by each department and may vary.
- Work is performed in an office/library setting.
Compensation and Benefits (Common for All Harvard Library Internships):
- Travel Costs: Covered up to $1,000, including two bags of luggage each way (coordinated by Harvard Library).
- Housing: Double occupancy in a campus-designated apartment (includes bedding, linen, kitchen utensils, and WIFI). Interns are responsible for toiletries and groceries.
- Hourly Pay: $18/hour for 30 hours per week, totaling up to $4,320 (taxable).
- Professional Development: Biweekly opportunities provided.
Application Information:
To apply, submit a cover letter (highlighting how your work and experience align with Harvard University’s values) and a resume as a single PDF file to Dr. Jerome Offord, Jr., AUL and Chief Diversity Officer at HL_EDIBA@harvard.edu.
Deadline: January 17, 2025