Library Internship, Human Rights Archive, Duke Library
Durham, NC, US, 27710
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, we celebrate the ideas, experiences, and perspectives that make each person unique. As the Human Rights Archive, Marshall T. Meyer Intern, you’ll join a community that values curiosity, collaboration, and a passion for history and learning. You will help connect students, faculty, and communities with archival collections that illuminate human rights and social justice movements around the world.
Be Bold.
As part of the Rubenstein Library’s Human Rights Archive (HRA), you will support instruction, reference services, collection development, exhibits, and outreach that bring human rights narratives to life. You’ll engage patrons both in person and remotely, and work hands-on with rare and unique archival materials that deepen understanding of global justice issues.
This onsite internship runs August 2026–May 2027 for 15–19 hours/week with a hiring rate of $18/hour. The intern will report to the Human Rights Archivist in the Collection Development Department of the Rubenstein Library.
What You’ll Do
- Assist with library instruction, including meeting with instructors, selecting materials, developing lesson plans, and teaching classes.
- Provide reference services for HRA users, including in-person and remote support.
- Develop reference tools such as LibGuides.
- Maintain a regular two-hour shift on the Rubenstein Library circulation desk.
- Contribute to collection development projects and activities.
- Assist with public programming and outreach such as exhibitions, blogs, and social media.
- Assist librarians with special projects and perform other duties as assigned.
- Routinely move library materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
- Work occasionally in environments with dust and mold exposure.
What You’ll Bring
- A BA/BS and current enrollment or recent graduation in a relevant field, or enrollment in an ALA-accredited MLS or Public History program.
- Interest in human rights and social justice.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and writing skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Initiative, adaptability, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Accuracy and attention to detail.
- Prior special collections experience or archival coursework (preferred).
Learn More
Meet the hiring managers for these internships:
Wednesday, March 18th, 2:00–3:00 PM ET
Zoom Link: https://duke.zoom.us/j/93327587232?pwd=bXAEPXe4lpygJzirthUqJdNjlAbycZ.1&jst=1
Meeting ID: 933 2758 7232
Passcode: 128838
Choose Duke.
Join a community committed to collaboration, inclusion, creativity, and continuous learning.
As a member of the Human Rights Archive team, you will gain hands-on experience working with meaningful collections that inspire research, reflection, and engaged learning.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references, and apply at careers.duke.edu under Requisition ID #267258. Join us and help build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.
Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $18.00 to USD $22.84. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
Equal Opportunity Employer: 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, (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 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:
Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh