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.

DUL Exhibition Program Internship                              

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Head, Exhibitions Services, this position will support the work of the Duke University Libraries Exhibitions Services Department. The intern will gain experience in exhibition coordination, preparation, design, installation, and curation. While this experience may be of particular interest to students pursuing a career in public scholarship or librarianship, it will also provide valuable skills relevant to a wide range of careers.

Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the DUL Exhibition Services staff,

• Learn and implement best practices for library exhibitions, including preparation, layout, design and installation
• Assist with label creation including editing, formatting, printing and mounting
• Assist with exhibition citations, copyright clearance, and image management
• Assist with public programming and outreach activities, including exhibit website development, social media posts and event planning and support
• Participate in meetings with faculty and students curating exhibitions and with other exhibition project partners
• Curate materials, research and write copy, and develop exhibit design for a small exhibition
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the practical and theoretical components of library exhibitions and gain experience in multiple key functions of this work
• Gain experience in communicating complex ideas to a general audience
• Explore approaches for integrating diversity, equity and inclusion into public scholarship
• Learn about the implications of copyright law for the use of images and other content in exhibitions

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Qualifications

It is the expectation that all Duke University Libraries staff members will demonstrate exceptional workplace behaviors in the execution of their specific position responsibilities. These behaviors are customer focus, collaboration, creative problem solving, continuous learning, and a commitment to creating a culture of inclusion that values and respects diversity of perspective, background, and experience. 

Education:

Required: BA/BS and current enrollment in or recent graduation from a graduate program.

Experience:

Required:  An interest in learning exhibition design and implementation; strong analytical, organizational, and writing skills; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; capacity to take initiative and thrive in a rapidly changing environment; accurate and detail-oriented; ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a team; demonstrated commitment to providing outstanding customer services. 

Preferred:  Prior experience working in a library or museum setting; some experience (personal or professional) that demonstrates design and dexterity skills and interest; experience with Adobe Creative products; experience researching, writing and editing; interest in working with underrepresented and diverse student groups; commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Working Conditions:

• Occasionally moves library materials weighing up to 40 pounds
• Occasionally has long hours of physical activity including lifting, bending, standing, climbing, walking and standing
• Occasionally works from a tall ladder
• Normal office environment
• Occasionally works in an environment in which exposure to materials containing dust and mold is possible
• Work will be onsite, so candidates should live in proximity to the Triangle Area

These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position. This description is subject to change at any time.

Application

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  An electronic resume, cover letter, and list of 3 references should be submitted at: https://careers.duke.edu/.  Search for Requisition ID # 255052. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.      

Applications which are missing any of the components listed above will not be reviewed.

Hiring Rate

Duke is committed to transparency by posting the full salary range for all positions. However, Duke Libraries has established a specific hiring rate for this role, which is set at $18.00 per hour. The position is not eligible for University fringe benefits or moving, housing, or relocation expenses.

Hours

This internship is a temporary, part-time position available for up to 19 hours per week. Hours are flexible within a M-F, 9:00-5:00 work week, but interns are expected to set and maintain a consistent schedule. The Access Services Intern will be working onsite at Duke University Libraries and this appointment is from August 2025-May 2026.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/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, sexual orientation, or veteran 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 that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this 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 University Health System may include essentialjob 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.