Library Resource Graduate Intern –Spring 2027 at Museum of Fine Arts Boston

Library Resource Graduate Intern –Spring 2027 Libraries & Archives The William Morris Hunt Memorial Library is the central research library of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston with a wide-ranging collection of over 250,000 titles. The Library’s mission is to the advance the Museum’s research and scholarly endeavors by developing, managing, and providing access to its collections in support of acquisitions, provenance research, exhibition, object documentation, and a broad range of other institutional research needs. While the Library’s primary focus is supporting the research needs of museum staff, it also extends its service and access to the general public, scholarly community, and museum colleagues seeking art research resources. The Library is seeking a graduate-level intern to support data management and description work across the library’s non-traditional holdings, including ephemera, archival holdings, and realia. The intern will apply coursework in information science, data science, or history to practical projects, with a focus on close review of materials and accurate data entry in the library’s databases. The work impacts users directly: accurate, well-described records enable users to discover materials, and clear context helps them understand the significance of the collections. Working with the Director of Libraries and Archives and the Senior Cataloging Librarian, the intern will review, arrange, and describe these collections to improve access. The internship focuses on technical services that enhance the user experience, applying bibliographic and archival standards for description, content, and classification. The intern will also gain broader experience in library operations, and an understanding of how an art research library organizes and provides access to its collections. Ideal candidates must be able to commit to work onsite 15 hours weekly, mostly between 9am-4pm Monday-Friday between January 22 – May 14, 2027. Additionally, interns must attend orientation on Fri, Jan 22, (10am-3:30pm), and the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26, Apr 2, Apr 9, Apr 16, Apr 23, Apr 30, and May 7. (Graduate interns are required to attend the following professional development sessions during the semester: Orientation on Jan 22, Meet the Leadership Team (date to be announced at orientation), and Final Presentations on May 7. They are welcome to attend any other sessions that appeal to them.) The intern will be paid at a rate of $19.95 per hour and will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy which is subject to tax withholdings. As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution and fostering the next generation of museum staff, the MFA actively encourages students from all backgrounds to apply to the program. Essential Functions: Review archival holdings, including the ephemera collection created by art historian and scholar, Egbert Haverkamp Begemann to assess their scope, condition, and descriptive needs. Create descriptions of multiple archival holdings in accordance with DACS (Describing Archives A Content Standard) and local practices. Contribute to data entry for finding aids, ensuring accuracy and consistency across records. Develop an online service portal that makes these collections easier for researchers to find, use, and understand in accordance with existing templates. Prepare and offer a 3-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course. Qualifications: Currently enrolled in or recently graduated (within one year prior to start of internship) from a graduate program in information science, history, or museum studies Demonstrated foundational knowledge in information organization and theory. Demonstrated knowledge in concept of content and descriptive standards used in libraries & archives. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within a team and work independently. Excellent organizational skills with keen attention to detail Demonstrated written and communication skills with strong research abilities. Ability to work onsite 15 hours per week, within Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm parameters, between January 22 – April 30, 2027. Additionally, interns must attend orientation on Fri, Sept 11, (10am-3:30pm), and the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26, Apr 2, Apr 9, Apr 16, Apr 23, Apr 30, and May 7. (Graduate interns are required to attend the following professional development sessions during the semester: Orientation on Jan 22, Meet the Leadership Team (date to be announced at orientation), and Final Presentations on May 7. They are welcome to attend any other sessions that appeal to them.) Ability to attend orientation on Fri, Jan 22, 2027, 10am to 3:30pm. How to Apply DO NOT INCLUDE any document not specifically requested within the description (e.g., recommendations, transcripts, writing samples, etc.) DO NOT include your photo in any of your documents. Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document, (Word or PDF). The cover letter must include all of the following: the title of the internship for which you are applying (one internship per application) how the named internship fits into your academic and/or career goals why your specific skills/experience/interests qualify you for the internship. any periods when you are not available for an interview. your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone SAVE your document file as (LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_POSITIONTITLE_Spring2027) Upload the single document as your resume via the employment portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP before December 4, 2026. (Do not upload separate cover letter.) Candidates may apply for no more than two internships per season and must submit a separate cover letter/resume document for each position. **Direct any/all questions to: intern@mfa.org before submitting your application. **Applications not conforming to these guidelines may be deemed ineligible and not considered.