Public Services Student Intern (History Majors Only)

University of Texas at Austin

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ransom Center is an internationally renowned humanities research library and museum at The University of Texas at Austin. Its extensive collections provide unique insight into the creative process of writers and artists, deepening our understanding and appreciation of literature, photography, film, art, and the performing arts. Visitors engage with the Center's collections through research and study, exhibitions, publications, and a rich variety of program offerings including readings, talks, symposia, and film screenings. This internship is for 10 hours per week for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters. The intern in this position will work closely with the Public Services Librarian to learn how to navigate the archive stacks and pull, circulate, and return materials. They will staff service points in the Reading Room and welcome and onboard visiting researchers. They will have the opportunity to work closely with collections and learn how to conduct research in the collections and select materials to create lists that highlight interesting materials relating to an array of topics. They will create research notes, and these lists will be used to support classes and help bring in first-time users who may not recognize the benefits of primary source research or understand how the archive can benefit them. Interns will learn to function as a professional within a library-archive-museum environment, increase awareness of materials within the Ransom Center’s holdings on specific topics, safely handle rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and other collection materials, and conduct research in an archive.

Requirements

History major at the University of Texas at Austin
Strong research and communication skills
Strong organization
Ability to collaborate on projects as well as work independently
Attention to detail
Time management and commitment to keeping a regular work schedule
Experience conducting research
Interest in working with and interacting with the public

Nice To Haves

Deeply curious, humanities-oriented, and an enthusiastic student of literature, film, and/or the visual arts
Desire for learning and mentorship
Passion for the work done at the Ransom Center

Responsibilities

Trains on and staffs multiple service points in the Reading Room, including the Circulation and Reception desks
Locates, pulls, and re-shelves manuscripts, books, and other collection materials for patrons, classes, presentations, and other special projects
Enters and tracks location of materials in an automated circulation system
Assists researchers with materials handling and assists with basic reference inquiries
Special projects as assigned with a research focus