Administrative Intern, Library Exhibition Assistant

Duke University:

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.

Be You.

At Duke University Libraries, we celebrate curiosity, scholarship, and the diverse perspectives that strengthen our academic community. As the Library Exhibition Assistant (Graduate Intern), you will play a meaningful role in bringing collections to life through exhibitions while supporting the Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. You’ll collaborate with dedicated professionals and contribute to a culture grounded in inclusion, respect, and continuous learning.

Be Bold.

In this role, you will contribute to the planning and execution of library exhibitions by managing logistics, supporting collections access, and working across teams to deliver impactful scholarly experiences.

What You’ll Do:

Provide logistical support for library exhibitions, including requesting and tracking 100–200 collection items from the Rubenstein Library

Document collection materials through image capture and maintain accurate records in systems such as Excel, Aeon, and Duke Box

Prepare materials and information for meetings with the curatorial team

Deliver front-line desk support for the Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library

Collaborate across Exhibition Services to meet project goals and foster an environment of inclusion, respect, trust, and accountability

Support additional projects and responsibilities as assigned

Choose Duke.

Duke University Libraries is committed to excellence, innovation, and service. We value team members who demonstrate:

Customer focus and strong service orientation

Collaboration and teamwork

Creative problem-solving and initiative

Continuous learning and intellectual curiosity

A commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences

What You Bring:

Education:

Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of a graduate program in Classics or Library & Information Science (minimum of nine credit hours completed)

Preferred: Affiliation with Duke University

Experience & Skills:

Interest in librarianship or cultural heritage careers

Full proficiency in Latin, including training in paleography

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

Preferred: Reading proficiency in Greek, Hebrew, or other ancient languages

Working Conditions:

Ability to work in environments where exposure to dust or mold may occur

Ability to move and handle library materials weighing up to 20 pounds

Ready to Make a Difference?

Bring your passion for scholarship, detail, and collaboration to Duke—and help us share the stories behind our collections with the world. Apply today. Assistant