Coroners' Inquisitions Internship

Please that we do not accept applications through Handshake. See the application instructions for more information.

About:

Prior to 1950, the local coroner investigated any death without medical attendance or those of a sudden, violent, unnatural or suspicious manner. The surviving records have considerable research value given the individual and collective information gathered as part of the inquest. In addition, the materials also record notable information regarding both free and enslaved people, further enhancing their research potential. 

Reporting to the Local Records Program Manager, this intern will process (if necessary), index, and describe local records coroners’ inquisitions in preparation for digital reformatting and accessibility through the Library of Virginia’s Digital Discovery portal. 

This paid position will run approximately from February through April. Generously funded by the Friends of the Virginia State Archives, the intern will work on average for 20 hours per week at our location in downtown Richmond and earn $20/hour. The student may use this internship for academic credit. 

Upon completion of this internship, the student will be able to:  

• Demonstrate knowledge of proper handling of archival materials and basic preservation skills. 
• Understand and apply best practices for proper identification and arrangement of moderately complex local government records. 
• Apply a basic knowledge of national standards for archival arrangement and culturally competent description to enhance user access. 
• Create written content to promote visibility and use of coroners’ records for a range of audiences through a blog post. 

The Coroner’s Inquisitions intern will write an UncommonWealth blog post summarizing their experience. They may also have opportunities to create a MARC/EAD record and present their work to the Friends of the Virginia State Archives and other external partners.

Timeline

• Applications are open now through Sunday, November 1. Students will receive a confirmation email when the Internship Coordinator reviews their application.  
• Virtual interviews will occur during the week of November 16. The Library of Virginia anticipates sending an offer letter the week of November 30. 
• The internship begins in early February.  

Who Should Apply?

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and currently enrolled at an accredited college or university. 
• The position is ideal for an undergraduate or graduate student with an interest in archival work. 
• The ideal candidate possesses a basic understanding of standard archival conservation guidelines. 
• A foundational knowledge of legal processes and Virginia state and local history is helpful for working with our collections, too. 

How Will My Application Be Assessed?

Your application will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Alignment with Career Goals: Many of our internships prepare students for careers in libraries, archives, museums, education, and history. Even if your career goals or areas of study don’t directly align with your desired internship, we encourage you to explain how this unique opportunity supports your broader academic or professional development. 
• Commitment to Our Vision: The Library of Virginia will inspire learning, ignite imagination, create possibilities, encourage understanding, and engage Virginia's past to empower its future. We're seeking students who share – or are eager to explore – this vision.  
• Relevant Courses of Study and Experience: We will review your transcript and resume for evidence of interest, preparation, or skills relevant to the position. 
• Engagement and Initiative: Applicants who demonstrate curiosity, self‑motivation, or a willingness to learn often stand out, regardless of prior experience. 
• Availability and Logistics: We may also consider scheduling compatibility, project timelines, and the internship’s specific needs during the selection process.