Library and Information Science Internship

Ypsilanti District Library • Ypsilanti, MI

6d • $16

About The Position

The Ypsilanti District Library (MI) has three locations and a bookmobile that serve a diverse population of 88,000 in the City of Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township, and part of Superior Township. YDL is located about 10 minutes east of Ann Arbor and 35 minutes west of downtown Detroit. We strive to engage all ages of youth and their families by inspiring a love of learning and providing easy access to information and diverse ideas through our collections, technology, programs, and community connections. We plan programs and services that are both site-specific and district-wide, at the library and offsite, with Youth Services staff working closely with the Outreach Department to serve families throughout the community. Areas of focus include early learning, hands-on STEM, creating a welcoming, inclusive environment, and elevating youth voices.
Our goal during the summer is to offer a full range of educational programs for youth of all ages and their families through our Summer Challenge. The Outreach Department partners with camps to bring the Summer Challenge to kids who cannot visit the library.
Under the direction of a YDL Manager, Interns will perform a wide variety of duties and tasks, gaining exposure to and experience in the full scope of public librarianship typical of a busy youth or outreach department. The ideal candidate will be passionate about serving the community and empowering kids and parents. Duties will include, but are not limited to the following:

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to work with families and youth from diverse populations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Enthusiastic and creative public service outlook.
• Strong technology skills and the desire to use a wide variety of new technologies to guide youth creative projects at summer programs.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team, function in a professional manner, and use good judgment.
• Creative problem-solving skills and flexibility to adapt to changing community needs.
• Strong desire to engage children birth-18, their parents, caregivers, and teachers.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple tasks.

Nice To Haves

• Formal training in a child-related field or experience working with youth desired.
• Library/Information Science students from an ALA-accredited library school will be given priority.
• Knowledge of children’s literature, youth development, and early learning concepts is desired.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the creation and implementation of youth and family programs at the libraries, on the bookmobile, and at outreach events. Examples include hands-on STEAM activities, storytimes, family literacy workshops, nature and fitness programs, and teen creative workshops.
• Help kids and parents find books and information in the Youth Department and on the bookmobile.
• Assist families in the use of computers, iPads, digital books, summer learning sign-up, and other library technology.
• Support librarians’ collection development work by creating book displays and finding books requested by patrons.
• Promote participation in the Summer Challenge, at the library, and in partnering camps.
• Complete special projects as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees