Library Scholar Internship: Arcata Community Group Centennial History Project

The Cal Poly Humboldt Library, through its Library Scholar Internship program, invites dedicated students to contribute to a significant local history project. This internship will involve in-depth archival research into an Arcata community group’s historical record to facilitate the authoring and publication of a commemorative history book for its 100th anniversary in March 2026. The successful intern(s) will work closely with library staff and community partners, engaging in experiential learning that bridges academic theory with practical application in archives, research, writing, and digital publishing. This is a unique opportunity to make meaningful contributions to local heritage and to develop a strong professional portfolio.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this internship, the Library Scholar Intern will be able to:

• Apply Primary Source Research Skills: Effectively locate, interpret, evaluate, and ethically use primary sources within an archival context to create new knowledge.
• Gain Historical Writing and Publication Experience: Conduct historical research and contribute to a significant publication, honing skills in narrative summary, content development, and writing for a public audience.
• Develop Digital Scholarship and Publishing Skills: Acquire hands-on experience with digitization, metadata creation, text layout, and other digital tools used in publishing and creating online exhibits.
• Enhance Professional Competencies: Strengthen communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills through collaboration with library staff and community stakeholders.
• Cultivate a Professional Identity: Understand the values, ethics, and career paths within archives, public history, and librarianship, and reflect on the role of libraries in community engagement.
• Create a Professional Portfolio: Produce tangible work, such as contributions to the history book, finding aids, digital exhibit components, or blog posts, suitable for showcasing to future employers or graduate programs.

Duties and Responsibilities: The intern's duties will involve a combination of the following, under the guidance of library specialists:

• Archival Research and Processing:
  • Conduct in-depth research within the Arcata community group's archives and other relevant collections to identify historical information for the book.
  • Potentially creating or updating finding aids to enhance discoverability.
• Content Development and Writing:
  • Analyze subject content and interpret historical documents, photographs, and other media.
  • Collaborative writing project involves draft sections, chapters, or supporting narratives for the community group's history book, ensuring accuracy and compelling storytelling.
  • Possibly contribute to related written outputs such as blog posts, exhibit captions, or promotional materials for the book's launch.
• Digital Publishing and Outreach:
  • Assist with the digitization of selected historical records, including scanning and basic metadata creation.
  • Support the text layout, design, and production process for the history book.
  • Participate in outreach activities to promote the project and the forthcoming book, which may include social media content creation or presentations.
  • Possibly contribute to the creation of online exhibits or digital narratives that highlight aspects of the community group's history.
• Collaboration and Professional Development:
  • Collaborate effectively with library faculty and staff, as well as representatives from the Arcata community group and other project stakeholders.
  • Attend relevant weekly meetings of team of Library Scholar Interns working on this project.
  • Engage in reflective practices, such as journaling or discussions, to assess learning and professional growth throughout the internship.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Enrollment: Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student from Cal Poly Humboldt.
• Essential Skills:
  • Strong research and analytical skills, with an ability to synthesize information from various sources.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, capable of producing clear, concise, and engaging content for diverse audiences.
  • High attention to detail and strong organizational and time management abilities, with a capacity to balance multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proficiency with standard office productivity software, including word processing, spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs).
• Desired Qualifications (not required but beneficial):
  • Prior experience with archival research, processing, and digitizing collections.
  • Familiarity with digital media tools, such as scanning equipment, audio/video editing software, or web content platforms (e.g., Omeka, WordPress).
  • Experience or interest in conducting oral history interviews and transcription.

Application Process:

Please submit in person the following 3 documents: cover letter, resume, and a sample of your writing, to Library Administration in room 108, Library first floor. 

Timeline

September 18 - September 30 - Accepting application packets

October 1 - October 8 - Conducting interviews

October 10 - Start date