The Poetry Foundation is seeking a part-time Cataloging Intern to provide support to the Library team. The Cataloging Intern is a part-time position, under the guidance of the Library Director.  Primary responsibilities include copy and original cataloging for the library’s collections. The Cataloging Intern will also assist with covering the reference desk as needed. The library collection consists of over 30,000 items, including chapbooks, broadsides, and special collections. It is one of the largest collections of poetry in the Midwest. 

A WELL-MATCHED CANDIDATE WILL BRING THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS: 

• Currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate study of a Library Science program, or have         recently completed a degree program
•  Completion of at least one cataloging course
• Comfortable working independently have good organization skills and basic computer knowledge of office software (Microsoft Word, Excel).

Schedule

The Cataloging Intern will work 10 hours per week, to be scheduled on one weekday and one Saturday. The Cataloging Intern is required to work onsite at the Foundation. This internship lasts for six months.

Compensation: $17/ hour

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: The Poetry Foundation values the perspectives and talents of a diverse staff and is committed to creating a workplace where employees thrive both personally and professionally. The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and employs personnel without regard to race, color, age, pregnancy, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, veteran status, marital status, disability, or any other bases protected by law.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting for prolonged periods in an indoor office environment
• Must be able to navigate throughout various offices of the building
• Communicating with others to exchange information and perform duties
• Ability to read materials on a computer screen
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers
• Moderate noise level consistent with an office environment

How to Apply

Please apply here. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by February 10, 2023.

More About the Poetry Foundation

The Poetry Foundation recognizes the power of words to transform lives. We work to amplify poetry and celebrate poets by fostering spaces for all to create, experience, and share poetry. Learn more about the organization here. 

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTThe Poetry Foundation building is situated on the occupied original homelands of the Council of the Three Fires: The Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odowa Nations, among other Indigenous nations. Indigenous people continue to live here today, and Chicago is home to one of the largest urban Indigenous communities in the United States. We recognize that some of us are settlers on colonized land and that this land acknowledgment is one small part of disrupting and dismantling the colonial structures in which we are living. 

VACCINATION EXPECTATIONThe Poetry Foundation requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to ensure our own safety and the safety of our guests, partners, and patrons. All employees must complete an attestation and provide proof of their vaccination status or request a medical or religious exemption within the first week of employment.