We offer paid practicums/internships in fall, winter, and summer (at a rate of $21.63/hr as of 10/04/2022 with alternative options for stipends/etc.). The internship or practicum will take place at Grand Valley State University’s Allendale or Grand Rapids campus with some opportunities for hybrid or fully remote work. It will meet the hours needed for the internship/practicum with potential for additional hours as an adjunct library faculty. There is also the possibility of renewal as an adjunct library faculty in future semesters. Schedules are negotiable within the department’s Monday through Friday office hours. 

These paid educational internship/practicums are great opportunities for hands-on experience for current Library and Information Science students. Opportunities are available in all areas of the library with some specific practicums and internships advertised each semester. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Participants

• Can join us fall, winter, and/or summer
• Must be able to work in the United States
• Can be paid an hourly rate or receive a stipend/professional development funding if payment is not allowed 
• Will receive mentoring, early leadership development, and access to library leadership as well as campus programs

Cataloging Practicum

Grand Valley State University is seeking an intern/practicum student to work in the Systems and Discovery Department for the Fall 2023 semester. Students interested in learning about material description and resource discovery will be introduced to topics such as MARC records, cataloging standards, and local practices.

This is a great opportunity for hands-on experience that would prepare a student for librarianship in a technical services role. Participants will also have opportunities to meet with Library administrators and other Library staff in areas of interest, as well as take part in learning opportunities. This is a paid educational internship/practicum for a current Library and Information Science student interested in gaining practical cataloging and technical services experience. 

During the internship you will:

• Get hands-on experience copy cataloging using OCLC
• Assign Library of Congress call numbers 
• Catalog materials for departmental libraries across campus and add records to a local inventory management system

This practicum will be on-site at the Allendale campus, with the potential to be partially remote. It will meet the hours needed for the internship/practicum as well as offer additional hours as an adjunct library faculty up to 10 hours a week and last the duration of the Fall 2023 semester. Schedules are negotiable. Compensation will be $21.63 per hour.   

Preferred experience: At least one course related to cataloging or metadata

First-Year Writing Instruction Practicum

Grand Valley State University is seeking an intern/practicum graduate student to work in the First-Year Writing Library Instruction Program for the Fall 2023 semester. Students interested in learning about information literacy instruction will be introduced to topics such as backwards design, universal design for learning, and assessment practices.

This is a great opportunity for hands-on experience that will prepare a student for librarianship in an instruction role. Participants will also have opportunities to meet with Library administrators and other Library staff in areas of interest, as well as take part in learning opportunities. This is a paid educational internship/practicum for a current Library and Information Science graduate student interested in gaining practical information literacy instruction experience. 

During the internship you will:

• Plan, teach, and assess information literacy sessions. 
• Design and revise asynchronous learning materials, such as tutorials and LibGuides
• Collaborate with other First-Year Writing librarians on projects to be determined

This practicum will be on-site at the Allendale campus, with the potential to be partially remote. It will meet the hours needed for the internship/practicum as well as offer additional hours as an adjunct library faculty up to 10 hours a week and last the duration of the Fall 2023 semester. Schedules are negotiable. Compensation will be $21.63 per hour.   

Preferred experience: Courses or interest in information literacy instruction

Required Qualifications

• At the time of employment, be a graduate student in an American Library Association accredited (and within the United States (financially unable to hire from outside the U.S.), online library/information science program; and be a graduate student who is beyond the first term of their program. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect and empathy 
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility as well as a focus on user needs and experience 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with culturally diverse populations. 
• Ability to function productively and with flexibility in an evolving environment 
• Clearly articulated career goals and professional interests related to academic librarianship. 

Sending Applications

Please email a cover letter and resume articulating how you fit the required and/or preferred qualifications with the Practicum title you are applying for as the subject to Ashley Rosener at [email protected]. Examples to meet these qualifications may be examples of specific projects completed in the workplace, as part of your education, as a student, in volunteer or nonprofit work, or lived experiences. Qualified candidates will be contacted for short interview process. 

If you are interested in a practicum or internship opportunity at GVSU Libraries, please email Ashley Rosener.

As a member of the ACRL Diversity Alliance program, GVSU Libraries are committed to increasing the hiring pipeline of qualified and talented individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups to help diversify and thereby enrich the profession.

Student Jobs

Hiring takes place a couple of times a year, please keep an eye on library social media for announcements (@gvsulib) or search for us in Handshake to see if we’re currently accepting applications. You can also see the different kinds of student jobs at the University Libraries.

Faculty and Staff Jobs

For faculty and staff postings, please search jobs.gvsu.edu.

Grand Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution. Minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. We are interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the campus community.