Internships at Nashville Public Library

Nashville Public Library offers a variety of unpaid internships for college undergraduates and graduate students.

Our internships are thoughtfully constructed, focused, short-term projects, supervised by library staff who mentor and guide students. Students apply their academic interests and skills in a work-place setting, while exploring personal and professional goals. Available internships change each term, but we frequently offer archival, arts, development and marketing internships suitable for students in many disciplines of the humanities, social sciences, arts and business. The time commitment for internships varies, but is usually 100-150 hours within a semester (10-15 hours per week). Internships may be pursued for academic credit or not-for-credit. Specific position descriptions, requirements and qualifications are posted for individual internships.

Nashville Public Library also offers a library practicum to students enrolled in an MLIS program. The practicum offers both breadth and depth of experience through a carefully structured sequence of assignments in different divisions and branches of Nashville Public Library, followed by an extended assignment in an area of professional interest. The practicum is normally a 150 hour commitment within a semester (10-15 hours per week).

Application Process

The Library offers internships and practica three times a year, in accordance with the academic calendar (spring, summer and fall terms). Available internships are posted here, generally 10-12 weeks before the start of the following term.

All interested students should begin the application process by submitting an on-line application form. The applicant may indicate interest in more than one position on the form. Applicants will be contacted to schedule a telephone interview and invited to submit a resume to complete the application process. Library practicum applicants must additionally submit a letter of referral from an academic advisor. Applications undergo a thorough review and students will be notified of their status.

Our internships are open until filled. Placement in Nashville Public Library internship and practicum programs is competitive and not guaranteed. We are not able to accommodate late requests or applications.

For more information, please contact: