Nebraska Library CommissionNebraska Regional Library SystemsFunded through Library Services and Technology Act, Institute of Museum and Library Services

2016 NebraskaLibrary Internship Grant Program

Goals & Outcomes Involves students in real library work Introduces intern to varied & exciting work of

libraries Serves as recruitment tool helping student to

view library work as a viable career opportunity Provides view of libraries’ role, understanding of

library operations, look at the role of technology Provides financial assistance to students who

often help to expand a program or complete a project & bring in fresh ideas

Basics – Who & How much Award amount: $500 - $1,000 (per library or branch) No Matching Funds required Eligibility: Accredited public libraries Funding for Stipends or Wages provided to

interns Eligible Interns – High School & College Students

Never employed by a library Never interned at a library No restrictions associated with volunteers

Introduction—Dates & Deadlines Deadline for applications: 5:00 p.m., Central

Time, December 17, 2015 Award announcement: February 8, 2016 The Secret to Successful Internships Webinar:

February 17, 2016 (if applying, put this on your calendar)

Internship Window – No earlier than March 15, 2016 & Wrapped up by November 30, 2016

Expectations of Library Library staff recruits and selects their intern(s) Library staff provides an orientation to library work over

the course of the internship – orientation should include broad overview of work beyond the work duties assigned.

Intern’s supervisor assigns & oversees tasks/duties Can be wide variety of duties or can be more specific to skills

of intern and/or needs of library and community Track intern’s hours and activities Complete assessments and report in a timely manner Submit form attesting to how grant funds were expended

(only for stipend contracts, wages and if applicable, for withholdings/taxes)

Projects/duties of Past Interns

Created, Conducted, Assisted, Designed, Managed, Maintained, Taught, Organized and/or Updated:

Book Sales/assorted events Bulletin Boards Crafts, Movie Day, Art class, Brochures, Flyers Helped in a move Book Displays Collection Development Review Policies Solicit donations for programming

Circulation Desk Summer Reading

Program Story Hour Processed new books Weed collections Prototypes of

experiments Youth book discussion

group

Projects/duties – Technology Area

Created, Conducted, Assisted, Designed, Managed, Maintained, Taught, Organized and/or Updated: Video tour of library Videoed activities Website Facebook Twitter Instagram

Computer Classes Tablet Classes Instruction video on

OverDrive use Layout & Design of

electronic & hardcopy materials

The applicationBackground: Reason for

participation Underlying need or

opportunity

Effect/Outcomes: Anticipated benefits

to student, library, community

Schedule of activities: Projects and

activities intern will be involved & the student’s role

Describe your preliminary orientation plan

Provide tentative timeline—recruitment, making an offer & key milestones with anticipated activities

Application review considerationsCompetitive process/evaluated on following criteria: Needs of library Described schedule of activities Proposed orientation to library service functions Anticipated benefits and outcomes of the internship Partnerships or activities with other libraries Commitment to meeting grant expectations

Encouraged: Partnership projects (with school, academic, public or special

libraries) First-time applicants/Applicants not funded in the past

http://nowhiringatyourlibrary.nebraska.gov/Internships.aspOverview, GoalsCalendar & DeadlinesEligible ApplicantsGrant AmountsUse of Funds

Details Online at:

Eligible Interns/Type of InternshipApplication Process & FormApp Review ConsiderationsAnnouncement, ExpectationsAdditional Info/Tips/SamplesPast Recipients

Laurie YocomWilson Public LibraryCozad

Insights from Past Participating Libraries

Rose BarcalLa Vista Public Library

Insights from Past Participating Libraries

Laura AltShelby Community Library

Insights from Past Participating Libraries

Amy WenzlFormer Intern, Sump Memorial Library Now Youth Services Librarian,Millard Branch, Omaha Public Library

Insights from Former Intern

?Questions & Answers

Supervisor feedback“Besides the extra help, the mentoring part of the experience has been valuable both to the intern and me. The internship has allowed us to provide a high school student with real-world work experience, which in a rural community like ours is not a common occurrence. It has also allowed me to share the profession I love with a student who may potentially want to enter the library profession herself someday. I would recommend the intern program to any library. It has proven to be a very rewarding experience for everyone involved.”

Supervisor feedback “After last year’s internship, the community

became aware of the program and we found that we had the opportunity to apply for funding from our local community foundation to add a second internship.”

“He assisted at many of the programs and interacted with the public constantly. He was an excellent ambassador for the library.”

 “PLANNING makes all the difference. The detailed calendar was extremely useful. It kept us on track.”

Intern feedback “I learned that librarians do so much more

than just check in and out books and movies. They organize, plan things for their community, and genuinely care about people. To be a librarian requires more than just being able to alphabetize books. It requires patience, intelligence, and intellect.”

“I very much enjoyed learning all about the jobs of the library. Librarians have so many jobs and responsibilities that the public doesn't know about.”

Intern feedback “I learned so much that will help me in the

future. I learned that being a librarian is harder work than it may appear. You have to be mentally strong to be able to remember so many things, multi task on a major level, and keep your calm with difficult patrons. There is also so much that goes on behind the scenes to keep the library functioning.”

“Librarians aren't quiet and shy, or old and mean like they're portrayed in movies. They are very good with people.”

Intern feedback “I learned that a librarian needs to be

resourceful. S/he has to be aware of all the services available to the public in order to attend to all the customers. A librarian is patient and friendly as well. We meet people from all walks of life on daily basis, so listen carefully to their needs and offer the help that leads to successful customer service.”

“I see that a library is very much like a book you can't judge it by its cover.”

JoAnn McManusNebraska Library CommissionGrant Program Managerjoann.mcmanus@nebraska.gov402-471-4870; 800-307-2665 (NE only)

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