Collections Internships

The International Museum of Surgical Science offers two four-month collections internships in the Spring (February – June) and in the Fall (August – December). Collections Internships are offered in the Museum’s Library and Permanent Collection and are intended to support applicants with Collections Management backgrounds, or a strong interest in Museum or Library careers. These internships are best suited for applicants having just completed an undergraduate degree, or in the final year of completing an undergraduate degree.

About the Library Internship

The Collections Intern (Library) will work with the Museum’s Exhibit and Development Manager to clarify the Museum’s library catalog, implement provisional conservation policies, and publicly report on progress via the Museum blog. 

Ideal candidate holds their undergraduate degree in library/information science, history, history of art, museum studies or related field, is currently pursuing such a degree, or has equivalent experience. The ideal candidate works well with minimal supervision and has a strong interest in libraries and museum collections.

About the Permanent Collections Internship

The Permanent Collections Intern will work with the Museum’s Exhibit and Development Manager to clarify the Museum’s catalog, and stabilize collection areas. The Intern will implement museum standards and best practices in collection management, practice safe-handling of art and artifacts and gain hands-on experience working with both natural history and fine arts collections. The Intern will be expected to publicly report on progress via the Museum blog. 

Ideal candidate holds their undergraduate degree in history, history of art, museum studies or related field, is currently pursuing such a degree, or has equivalent experience. The ideal candidate works well with minimal supervision and has a strong interest in museum collections (practically & theoretically.)

Internship Requirements

Applicants must be willing to commit at least one full day per week during the Internship Period.

The International Museum of Surgical Science does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.

Important Dates

  Spring Internship  Fall Internship
Application Period October 1 – December 1 April 1 – June 1
Determination December 15 June 15
Internship Period February 1 – June 15 August 1 – December 15

How to Apply

Required Internship Application Materials:

  • Statement of Intent / Cover Letter: Statement must address the following 3 prompts:
    1. Do you have a background working with Libraries or Museum Collections? If not, what is your interest in this internship?
    2. What in particular interests you about the International Museum of Surgical Science’s collections (refer specifically to Library or Permanent Collection)? 
    3. In what ways do you hope to benefit from this internship?
  • C.V. or Resume
  • Writing Sample (500 words maximum)
  • 3 References
    • For each reference, please include (1) Name (2) Relationship to Applicant (3) Years Acquainted and (4) E-mail Address & Telephone Number

Please send application materials as attachments to: info@imss.org.

Subject Line: Library Internship Application or Collections Internship Application