Internship Description
The PIFSC library is a government library. It is a fisheries and marine science library with special emphasis on the US-associated Pacific Islands. This internship is suited for students who are interested in these kinds of libraries, as well as those who are interested in solo librarianship.
Possible internship tracks include (but are not limited to):
- Archives and/or digital archives. The PIFSC Library is home to unique research data and reports dating back to the 1940’s. Much of this material is highly relevant to current research and should be made readily available to the public.
- Scholarly communication. The Library is an integral part of the scholarly publishing process for scientists in the PIFSC.
- Solo librarianship. Students interested in this track will gain experience in the day-to-day operation of a library.
Library/Collection Description
The library serves the researchers of the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, which is a part of the National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. It is located in the Inouye Regional Center, an award-winning $350 million sustainable facility on Ford Island in Pearl Harbor.
The collection consists of fisheries-related literature spanning the subjects of marine biology, physiology, ecology, bio-statistics, oceanography, and others as applied to the Pacific region. The collection consists of books, serials (print and electronic), maps, and manuscripts. The library is also home to the archives of the Honolulu Laboratory, as PIFSC was formerly known.
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Required Qualifications
- Technology plays a large role in librarianship and being comfortable with technology (and with learning new technologies) is necessary for all tracks.
- The library is located in a secured facility. The intern must be able to pass a background check in order to obtain the credentials to enter Ford Island.
- Archives track prerequisite – LIS 601, LIS 652
- Scholarly Communication track prerequisite – LIS 663
- Solo librarianship prerequisite – LIS 601, LIS 605
Desired Qualifications
- Any technology-designated courses
- Knowledge/experience with proper handling and preservation techniques of manuscripts, and photographs (for archives interns)
- Excellent written (particularly email) and verbal communication skills
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and to take initiative
- Customer service experience is a plus!
Weekly Schedule
Internship hours are generally available between 9am – 5:30pm, Monday-Friday. No weekends. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, work is generally online only. Entry to work at the IRC will be subject to PIFSC and NOAA approval of a return to onsite work (RTOW) request. The intern can work with the Technical Services Program Lead (federal supervisor) and supervising librarian/archivist to set their schedule accordingly.
Goals and Outcomes
Archives and/or digital archives. Interns pursuing this topic will help design and implement a system to provide public access to these materials. The intern will be asked to assist with providing archives reference as needed, along with analysis of current archival policies and best practices.
Scholarly communication. Interns pursuing this topic will learn about how academic papers are published as well as metadata management including author identifiers and data management plans.
Solo librarianship. Students interested in this track will gain experience in the day-to-day operation of a library. This will include circulation, cataloging (and other technical services), collection development, and reference.
Evaluation Methods
Interns will be evaluated using the LIS 690 Evaluation form. In addition, informal discussions will also take place regularly throughout the semester.
Evaluation Schedule
Weekly (for verbal discussion of the intern’s progress). The final evaluation will occur at the end of the semester.
Contact Information
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