Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Josiah Charles Trent Internship

Position Summary

This position will provide support for public services and collection development activities of the History of Medicine Collections.  

Responsibilities

• Provides reference services for HoM users, including those who visit in person and those inquiring remotely.
• Assists with library instruction, such as meeting with instructors, selecting materials, teaching classes, and participating in instructional assessment.
• Assists with public programming and other outreach activities including exhibitions and social media.
• Assists with collection development activities such as catalog searching and collections intake.
• Assists librarians with special projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Learning Objectives

• Become familiar with searching the library’s catalog
• Gain experience using LibApps to create reference tools such as a LibGuide
• Gain experience working with special collection materials and users in a variety of settings such as the classroom as well as the reading room
• Curate an exhibition

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Qualifications

It is the expectation that all Duke University Libraries staff members will demonstrate exceptional workplace behaviors in the execution of their specific position responsibilities. These behaviors are customer focus, collaboration, creative problem solving, continuous learning, and a commitment to creating a culture of inclusion that values and respects diversity of perspective, background, and experience. 

Education:

Required: Current enrollment in an accredited graduate archival studies, public history, or information and library science program; or enrollment in a related graduate program combined with archival experience or training

Experience:

Required:  Strong analytical, organizational, and writing skills; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; interest in history of medicine; capacity to take initiative and thrive in a rapidly changing environment; accurate and detail-oriented; ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a team; demonstrated commitment to providing outstanding customer services. 

Preferred:  Prior experience in a special collections setting and/or completion of at least one course in archival theory and practice; academic background in history of medicine.

Working Conditions

• Routinely moves library materials weighing up to 40 pounds
• Normal office environment
• Occasionally works in an environment in which exposure to materials containing dust and mold is possible
• Frequently positions self to reach high and low shelves
• Work will be onsite, so candidates should live in proximity to the Triangle Area

These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position. This description is subject to change at any time.

Application

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  An electronic resume, cover letter, and list of 3 references should be submitted at: https://careers.duke.edu/.  Search for Requisition ID # 255051. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.      

Applications which are missing any of the components listed above will not be reviewed.

Hiring Rate

Duke is committed to transparency by posting the full salary range for all positions. However, Duke Libraries has established a specific hiring rate for this role, which is set at $18.00 per hour. The position is not eligible for University fringe benefits or moving, housing, or relocation expenses.

Hours

This internship is a temporary, part-time position available for up to 15 hours per week. Hours are flexible within a M-F, 9:00-5:00 work week, but interns are expected to set and maintain a consistent schedule. The Access Services Intern will be working onsite at Duke University Libraries and this appointment is from August 2025-May 2026.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.