Special Collections Internship

Full Job Description

This is a non-merit, internship position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Special Collections Intern – State Archives of Iowa

The State Archives of Iowa invites students who are passionate about history, research, and public access to information to join our team as a Special Collections Intern.

This internship provides the opportunity to work directly with professional government archivists to preserve, organize, and make historical records accessible to the public.

Interns will gain hands-on exposure to archival practices, records management, historical preservation, and research support while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance the discoverability of Iowa’s historical and governmental records.

Goals and Key Responsibilities

• Assist with a focused appraisal or re-appraisal project involving a small archival collection in storage, learning how archivists evaluate historical and legal value of records.

• Process, catalog, and prepare a micro-collection for shelving and long-term preservation using professional archival standards.

• Support metadata creation and organizational systems that improve public searchability and access.

• Collaborate with archivists to understand records retention policies, preservation methods, and digital versus physical storage considerations.

• Observe and participate in day-to-day archival operations, including reference assistance, collection handling procedures, and records intake workflows.

• Contribute ideas or recommendations that enhance accessibility, organization, or preservation approaches.

• Other duties as assigned that support archival projects and departmental initiatives.

Experience and Exposure Opportunities

• Archival appraisal and records evaluation

• Cataloging and metadata creation

• Preservation techniques for physical and digital materials

• Research methodologies and historical analysis

• Information organization and classification systems

• Public records accessibility and transparency practices

• Professional communication and collaboration in a government or cultural institution

• Portfolio-worthy deliverables such as finding aids, catalog entries, or documentation of processed collections

Interns will also receive mentorship from experienced archivists and gain insight into career pathways in archives, libraries, museums, and public history.

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in History, Political Science, Library Science, Public History, Archival Studies, or a related social science or humanities field.

• Demonstrated interest in archival work, libraries, records management, or historical preservation.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively while maintaining accuracy, attention to detail, and professionalism.

• Strong organizational, analytical, and time-management skills.

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. and safely use step ladders when assisting with collection handling or shelving.

Why Join Us

• Gain Practical Experience: Build real-world archival and research skills that translate into careers in libraries, museums, public administration, and information management.

• Receive Professional Mentorship: Work alongside dedicated archivists who are committed to knowledge sharing and career development.

• Make a Meaningful Impact: Play a direct role in preserving Iowa’s historical record and improving public access to information that supports transparency, education, and community understanding.

• Develop Tangible Work Products: Leave with resume-ready accomplishments and portfolio materials demonstrating your contributions to archival organization and accessibility.

E-Verify and Right to Work
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Qualifications

Applicants for positions in this class must be currently enrolled students in a degree program at an accredited educational institution, as determined by the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.