Library Services & Engagement EDGE Intern

LIBRARY SERVICES & ENGAGEMENT EDGE INTERN

About the Converse EDGE Internship Program

The Converse EDGE Internship Program provides students with meaningful, career-connected experiences that integrate professional skill development with hands-on workplace learning. Through mentorship, reflection, assessment, and practical application, EDGE Interns develop the career readiness competencies employers seek while making valuable contributions to campus departments and programs.

Position Description

The Library Services & Engagement EDGE Intern serves as a key member of the Mickel Library team, supporting daily library operations, patron services, student engagement initiatives, and special projects. Working at the library circulation and service desk, interns help students, faculty, staff, and other patrons locate and use library resources while contributing to projects that enhance library services, collections, outreach, and engagement.

This position provides hands-on experience in customer service, basic search strategies, library operations, communication, and community engagement. Interns may also participate in specialized projects related to library programming, research support, exhibits, outreach initiatives, and collection maintenance.

Professional Development Outcomes (What You Will Gain)

By participating in this internship, students will:

• Develop strong customer service and communication skills through direct interaction with library patrons.
• Gain practical experience supporting daily library operations and customer service delivery.
• Build organizational and problem-solving skills through operational and project-based work.
• Develop experience planning and implementing outreach, engagement, or preservation initiatives.
• Gain exposure to library services, information discovery, educational resources, and community engagement practices.

Key Responsibilities

Library Services & Patron Support

• Provide front-line library services at the circulation and service desk.
• Assist patrons with checking out or returning items and locating books or other materials in the stacks.
• Show patrons how to access services and search resources (e.g., databases, the online catalog) on the library website.
• Answer basic questions and direct complex research or technical inquiries to the full time library staff.
• Assist students with signing in, printing, copying, scanning, and basic technology within the library as needed.

Library Operations

• Shelve returned materials and maintain organized library collections and public spaces.
• Assist with interlibrary loan packaging, mail distribution, book drops, and circulation workflows.
• Assist with opening and closing procedures and help maintain a clean, welcoming, and professional library environment.
• Utilize library systems and technology platforms to support daily operations and patron services.

Special Projects & Engagement Initiatives

• Participate in special projects that support library goals and community engagement.
• Assist with outreach initiatives, displays, exhibits, programming, and promotional activities.
• Support projects related to collection preservation, library communications, and student engagement.
• Contribute to projects that enhance awareness and use of library resources and services across campus.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

EDGE Interns gain hands-on experience in customer service, collection maintenance, library operations, project participation, outreach, and community engagement.

Depending on departmental priorities and project timelines, interns may contribute to library programming, exhibit development, collection preservation and book repair, information/reference service, student engagement initiatives,  and other special projects that support library services and outreach.

Career Readiness Competencies Developed

Communication

• Communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and other patrons while providing library services and support.

Critical Thinking

• Evaluate patron needs, identify appropriate library resources, and assist with problem-solving in a service-oriented environment.

Professionalism

• Demonstrate reliability, accountability, customer service excellence, and professional conduct by reporting for work on time, listening carefully, and following directions accurately.

Technology

• Utilize library systems, digital resources, and technology platforms to support library operations and patron services.

Qualifications

• Enrolled Converse University student in good academic standing.
• Students from all academic majors are encouraged to apply.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Reliable, professional, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a service-focused environment.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Lifting and carrying materials (such as bins or stacks of materials).*
• Participation in occasional event setup and breakdown activities. 

*Note: Access to chairs is provided at the service desk; standing for extended periods is not a standard requirement for daily duties.

Supervision, Mentorship & Evaluation

EDGE Interns receive ongoing coaching, mentorship, and feedback from library faculty, staff, and graduate assistants throughout the academic year. Interns work closely with librarians and graduate assistants who provide day-to-day guidance on customer service, library operations, project work, and workplace expectations.

Librarians oversee professional development, project assignments, and performance evaluation while ensuring interns receive meaningful opportunities to develop career readiness competencies.

As part of the Converse EDGE Internship Program, interns participate in a structured assessment process designed to measure growth in career readiness competencies and professional development.

Position Details

• Position Type: EDGE Intern (5 positions available)
• Department: Mickel Library
• Duration: Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
• Pay Rate: $12.00 per hour
• Schedule: 10 hours per week per intern (determined in coordination with the library director, including evening and weekend coverage)
• Positions will remain open until filled. Hiring timelines vary by department, and some supervisors may move more quickly through the interview and selection process than others. Early application is encouraged.