Fall 2026 Library and Archives (Paid) Intern
About The Position
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum offers paid internships to full-time college students (undergraduate and graduate) that advance the educational goals of the intern and help to promote the Museum’s mission. The Museum’s internship program offers work-based learning opportunities that introduce college students to museum-related careers and other professions found in large cultural organizations. Internships are designed for a maximum commitment of 25 hours per week for 12 weeks with consideration given to individual university requirements. Additional adjustments to the 12-week, 25-hour schedule will be at the discretion of the internship supervisor. Educational programs which operate on a quarterly basis may be accommodated. Motivated students who are seeking hands-on experiences in a team-oriented environment will find excellent opportunities at the Museum. The Library and Archives internship is designed for a commitment of 25 hours per week for a minimum of 12 weeks with consideration given to individual university requirements. The supervisor and intern will schedule internship hours during available working hours (Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CT). Additional adjustments to this schedule will be at the discretion of the internship supervisor. The Library and Archives intern will work closely with the staff to assist with the processing and/or digitizing of materials to ensure preservation and greater access to the Museum’s collections. The collections include manuscript and print materials, sound recordings, video, film, photographs, and oral history interviews. The goal of the internship is to understand the different roles and duties within an archive, learn the necessary skills to prepare archival collections for research purposes, and to gain experience working with varied archival materials. Prior to the start of this internship, Library and Archives staff will meet with the intern to assess goals and further focus internship duties to include skills most applicable to the intern’s educational objectives, as well as most beneficial to the collection’s needs at that time.
Requirements
- Working toward a master’s degree or higher in library and information science, public history, museum studies, history, or another related field
- Internship must be completed for course credit
Nice To Haves
- Experience handling fragile and rare archival materials
- Experience processing archival collections
- Experience digitizing archival materials in various formats
- Knowledge of CONTENTdm or similar digital asset management software
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
- Ability to produce accurate and consistent work
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
- Ability to self-motivate and work independently on projects, as well as to collaborate with a team to achieve long-term goals
- Basic knowledge of country music history, or willingness to learn
Responsibilities
- Process archival collection materials
- Create finding aids or descriptive metadata
- Upload content into digital asset management software
- Label and rehouse collection materials
- Assist with collection maintenance
Benefits
- Hourly rate of $15/hr. for students pursuing a bachelor's degree; $18/hr. for students pursuing a master's degree or higher
- Free 24/7 downtown parking or WeGo bus pass
- Complimentary admission to the Museum for yourself
- Two complimentary Museum admission passes for friends and family use
- Free guided tour of Hatch Show Print, Historic RCA Studio B, and the Museum’s galleries
- Discounts at Museum stores and restaurants
- Free or discounted entry to local venues including: National Museum of African American Music, the Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and more!
- Fun, friendly, and supportive learning environment
- Field Forward Stipend: living and relocation stipend offered to select candidates in addition to the paid internship, that supports students who identify as traditionally underrepresented in cultural arts careers and students with demonstrated financial need.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
