The New York State Library has a paid internship opportunity available for a Graduate Student to work in the New York State Library’s Manuscripts and Special collections unit during the Spring 2026 semester. The New York State Library’s Manuscripts and Special collections unit acquires, preserves, and provides access to manuscripts and personal papers, rare books, and other special collections, including prints, posters and broadsides, and musical scores.
The intern may assist with any or all of the following: answering email reference questions, processing new collections, rehousing and/or relocating existing collections, creating and/or editing finding aids, special research, and projects as assigned. The intern will work on real world archival projects, which will provide valuable experience putting the theory of the classroom into practice.
The intern will gain experience in working with the public via virtual and in-person reference services, library classification systems, archival best practices, and housing and rehousing of newly donated collections of archival material.
Preference may be given to those who are pursuing a degree in Library or Information Science, or History.
Interns will work no more than 20 hours each week. Schedules will be made in coordination with the supervisor.
Undergraduates will earn $16/hour, Graduates will earn $19/hour.
To be eligible for the SUNY/SED Program, candidates must be currently matriculated in a degree program at one of our Participating SUNY Institutions. Additionally, candidates must be enrolled in classes during the semester in which they would like to intern. Summer and Winter interns must provide proof of enrollment in classes for the following semester. New York State residency is NOT required. Furthermore, students must meet all of the requirements for being hired as a Student Assistant by their Institution. Please contact your Campus Coordinator directly with any questions about your Institution’s requirements.
To apply, students must submit their resume, transcript, cover letter, and signed application to INTERNSHIPS@nysed.gov, referencing Job ID OCE-SP26-1P in their email subject line. Applications will only be considered complete if they have been signed by both the student AND the designated Campus Coordinator.
Matthew Laudicina