About the library > Jobs > FAQ
MCL Internship Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is an internship?
A1. An internship is an opportunity to integrate library career related experience into a student’s education by participating in supervised work. MCL’s internship program is designed to:
- Fulfill the intern’s educational requirement.
- Enable the intern to observe and understand the workings of the public library environment.
- Give the intern hands-on experience with core public library services and operations.
- Provide focused activities in the intern’s specific area of interest.
Q2. Are MCL internships paid or unpaid?
A2. MCL internships are unpaid. Course credit may be available depending upon the availability and requirements of the intern’s educational institution. The intern must provide their MCL supervisor with the necessary verification documents to complete from their educational institution.
Q3. What type of work will be performed by an intern?
A3. Work performed by interns will enhance the concepts they have learned at their educational institution and provide exposure to their areas of interest in the library field. Interns will work under the supervision of MCL staff, and we will try to provide an enriching learning experience that is focused on the intern’s area of interest. Interns will not be used to replace work normally done by a paid staff member, but will typically work alongside MCL staff members.
Q4. What are the minimum hours required to participate in an MCL internship?
A4. MCL will work with the intern to meet any hour requirements outlined by their educational institution, but absent such guidelines, interns should expect to commit to 100 – 125 hours.
Q5. What are the required qualifications for an MCL internship?
A5. Qualifications vary by internship, but generally, interns must be a current student in a library/information science program or related discipline and pass a criminal records check.
Q6. Do interns have to be currently enrolled as a student to be eligible for an internship?
A6. No, MCL's internship program is geared towards both current students and recent graduates. Recent graduates is defined as up to 3 months after graduation from college undergraduate or graduate studies.
Q7. What is the selection criteria for MCL interns?
A7. Some of the things MCL looks for in an application are course selection, work experience, language skills, and interests related to various service/subject areas of the library. As well, while not required, experience or education in library-related fields can be a plus.
Q8. How often are internships sponsored by MCL?
A8. On a quarterly basis: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Q9. What are the documents that must be completed in order to apply for an internship?
A9. Applicants must first complete a Volunteer Application. Next, applicants will complete a questionnaire indicating the types of internships they want to be considered for and also provide a copy of their resume.
Q10. When should the internship application be submitted to MCL?
A10. Potential interns should submit application information 60 days prior to the start date of the internship.
Q11. How many interns do you accept into each program?
A11.The number of interns entered into the program varies by MCL's capacity and needs.
Q12. If a student is interested in more than one subject area of the MCL program, can they apply for more than one?
A12. In the application process, students should state explicitly their areas of interest and document how their education, experience, and general background demonstrates their qualifications for each subject area identified. Students should submit only one application package even if they want to be considered for more than one subject area.
Q13. Are there other options for students who apply for an internship, but are not accepted?
A13. Students may apply to serve as volunteers at MCL. Although volunteering is not a formal internship program, it is an opportunity to learn about and experience library operations. To apply to be a volunteer, contact Volunteer Services at 503-988-5731.
Q14. Who should I contact if I questions about the MCL internship program?
A14. Students should submit their question using the web form.
