[Summer 2026] Research Resources - Library Internship

Whitney Museum of American ArtNew York, NY

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Job Description

The Whitney’s summer internship program is a full-time, paid, nine-week session primarily for undergraduate students. The program includes training, direct work experience, professional development, and a weekly speaker series. The 2026 Summer internship will be hybrid, meaning interns will work onsite at least three days per week. The program will begin on Monday, June 1, and end on Friday, July 31. Participants must be available Monday through Friday for nine consecutive weeks, five days per week. The application window for our Summer 2026 Hearst Family Internship is now open through Friday, January 16th. Please note that all candidates will be considered on a rolling basis, and as such, some opportunities may close before the deadline. The Whitney seeks a Research Resources: Library intern for Summer 2026. To view all Internship opportunities and to learn more about The Whitney's offerings, please refer to our Internships Page.

Expected Projects & Assignments

Create original and copy cataloging in MARC for library materials
Create preservation housings for Library Special Collections materials
Assist with providing in-person and remote reference services
Assist with the circulation of library materials
Assist with supervising the reading room and on-site researchers
Assist with reference inquiries from staff and external researchers

Skills & Qualifications

Ideal candidate is a current student or recent graduate who has completed at least one semester in a Library and Information Science program, or related graduate program
Experience with library cataloging (MARC, RDA, LCSH, LC classification) and/or preservation a plus
Interest in modern and contemporary American art and museum work
Ability to work independently with attention to detail
Experience with conducting research using an ILS
Ability to lift cartons (up to 30lbs) is helpful
Only students currently pursuing a MLIS degree are eligible
Previous museum experience is not required

Provided Training

General art library policies and procedures
Use of our OPAC, WhitneyCat, and Koha ILS
Library cataloging and MARC/RDA metadata creation
Basics of hands-on preservation rehousing for a variety of library materials
Reference and user services skills.

Outcomes

First-hand experience in multiple areas related to the operations of library a museum setting
An understanding of how the Whitney’s research collections support unique areas of inquiry
The opportunity to work with both Whitney staff researchers and visiting scholars
Increased knowledge of metadata, reference, and circulation of library resources

Compensation

Interns will be paid a stipend of $6,500 for full participation.

Generous support for Ostrover Family Academic Year Interns is provided by Julie and Doug Ostrover.If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates. Whether you’re new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in the arts and culture space and what you hope to bring to this role. About the Whitney:The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. From her vision arose the Whitney Museum of American Art, which has been championing the most innovative art of the United States for 86 years. The core of the Whitney’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art of our time and serve a wide variety of audiences in celebration of the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States. Through this mission and a steadfast commitment to artists themselves, the Whitney has long been a powerful force in support of modern and contemporary art and continues to help define what is innovative and influential in American art today.EEO Statement:The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, pregnancy, partnership status, caregiver status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, predisposition, or carrier status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

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