Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees. Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.
Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.
Join the hiring managers of each internship to learn more about the positions, on Wednesday, March 18th at 2:00pm-3:00pm ET
https://duke.zoom.us/j/93327587232?pwd=bXAEPXe4lpygJzirthUqJdNjlAbycZ.1&jst=1
Meeting ID: 933 2758 7232 Passcode: 128838
Please contact John Gartrell for any questions or additional information about this internship at franklin-collection@duke.edu.
Be You.
At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the John Hope Franklin Research Center Intern, you’ll be a vital of a collaborative staff within the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
Bo Bold.
The John Hope Franklin Research Center Intern will work in the Rubenstein Library’s Technical Services department working to process and organize new and existing special collections withing the center’s holdings. This role requires dependability, ability to work independently on short- and long-term projects, and the ability to learn and implement archival practices with professionalism and care.
What You’ll Do:
Archival Processing and Description 80%
- Under supervision of the Technical Services Archives, collaborate with colleagues to complete archival and manuscript processing and description projects.
- Ensures the quality of descriptive records through compliance with national and local standards.
- Collaborate with supervisor and director of the John Hope Franklin Research Center in developing workflow, priorities, and processing plans.
- Perform research to develop collection description and scope notes.
- Learn and work with archival processing tools (i.e. ArchivesSpace).
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Experiential Learning 20%
- Obtain experience working with and handling special collections materials.
- Become familiar with navigating and researching the library.
- Learn and develop approaches in special collections library instruction.
- Regularly meet with director of Franklin Research Center
- Be part of archival cohort and engage in professional development enrichment.
Additional Duties
- Works in an environment in which exposure to materials containing dust and mold is possible.
- Regularly positions self to reach high and low shelves.
- Occasionally needs to lift or move boxes up to 30 lbs.
- Majority of work completed onsite.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
What You’ll Bring to the Role:
Education
- Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree and must currently be enrolled in or a recent graduate (less than two years) from an accredited advanced degree program.
Experience
- None
Skills & Abilities
- Strong analytical, organizational, and writing skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Academic background in African and African American studies and/or interest in African and African American studies.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
- Accurate and detail-oriented
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a team.
- Prior experience in a special collections setting and/or completion of at least one course in public history and/or archival theory and practice (preferred)
Anticipated Pay Range
This internship is onsite and part-time (18 hours/week) from August 2026–May 2027 at a hiring rate of $18/hour.
Choose Duke.
Join a dynamic environment where your strengths and professionalism help advance the Duke University Libraries’ mission.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Apply now and help us build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future. Apply at Duke careers- Requisition #267253.
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.