Student Jobs

Beyond the Page is an endowment that funds free public humanities programs in Dane County libraries. This work has expanded to include supporting a coordinated commitment to equity throughout the Dane County libraries, called the Ripple Project. Beyond the Page is housed at Dane County Library Service.

We will work with interns to design schedules that meet their individual needs, including supporting transportation as needed.

Weeks 1-2: Interns will  get initial training/orientation at Dane County Library Service as well as learning about the history/values/future of libraries and library oversight/operations.

Remaining weeks: Interns will work a regular weekly schedule at 1-2 libraries in their region. During this time they will learn about expectations at each site and learn about use of technology, programs and outreach in libraries. They may also join their region's equity team, which meets monthly, if their schedule allows.

Do you love working with people and serving your community? Are you excited by information and learning? Have you ever considered working in public libraries? 

Beyond the Page is seeking applicants ages 16 and up for a semester-long paid library internship experience with the Dane County libraries. Interns will learn about both the day-to-day of library work as well as the field of librarianship as a whole. Upon successful completion of the experience, interns will be qualified to work in libraries as substitutes, pages or clerks. They will also strengthen their resumes if they have an interest in graduate level study in library and information science.

Start date: September 3rd, 2024

End date: December 20th, 2024

Pay: 10 hours per week at $16/hr (hours can be designed to fit your schedule)

Orientation/training library: Dane County Library Service (each intern will be placed in 1-2 libraries after initial training)

Duties:

Professional Development

• Training in library software and skills

• Engage with online lessons on the field of librarianship

• Meeting with internship cohort and mentor(s)

Library Service

• Checking library materials in and out

• Library card sign up

• Assisting patrons with placing and collecting holds on library materials using LINKcat

• Readers’ advisory

• Supporting patrons with using the internet and reserving meeting rooms

• Answering the phone and helping patrons with general questions

• Shelving books and other materials

• Programs & outreach support

• Other duties as assigned

Interns will be placed in 1-2 libraries in Dane County. May require travel outside of Madison. We can support planning and paying for transportation as needed. Please contact us with questions about placement logistics.

• Excellent interpersonal skills-- empathy, relationship-building, oral & written communication

• Comfortable using technology and able to learn new technology quickly

• Adaptable and able to navigate a variety of environments, including in urban and rural settings

• Organized and skilled at time-management

• Independent problem-solver who is also comfortable raising concerns or asking for help when needed

To apply, please submit the following items to Alicia Treviño-Murphy at trevino-murphy@dcls.info:

1. A current resume (PDF file)

2. A 1-2 page essay (PDF file) responding to the following questions: 

   1. What has your experience with using libraries been like for you? 

   2. What changes, if any, would you like to see happen in public libraries? 

   3. This program aims to attract more diverse talent to the field of librarianship. How will the life experiences that shape who you are today contribute to public libraries?

   4. Why are you interested in this opportunity?

3. A 1-3 minute video (via Google Drive, YouTube or Vimeo) responding to the following questions:

   1. What do you think is the most important role that libraries play in our communities?

   2. What are the top 3 strengths or priorities that you would bring to this role?