Scholarly Programs Intern

The Folger Shakespeare Library knows that an exceptional staff is the backbone of any great organization. We hire exceptionally qualified individuals who are committed to the mission, vision, and values of our organization. Our recruitment process strives to be interactive, accessible, and responsive. Once employed, the Folger provides a generous compensation, leave, and benefits package, as well as many opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Job Description:

The Folger Shakespeare Library, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, is seeking a part time Scholarly Programs Intern from a Folger Institute Consortium university to join the Folger Institute team! The Scholarly Programs Intern will support the planning and delivery of its academic offerings during the 2026–2027 school year. This position provides an excellent opportunity for an undergraduate student—especially one considering graduate studies in the humanities or library sciences—to gain firsthand experience in a major research library and humanities center.

The standard schedule for this role is from 8:45 am to 4:45pm, one day a week, for the full 2026-2027 academic calendar year. Interns will preferably work Thursdays or Fridays. There may be occasional opportunities for additional work due to special events. This position works fully onsite. The selected candidate will need to be within a commutable distance to the DC office (DC, MD, VA) by their start date. The start date will be mutually determined but will take place during the first two weeks of October 2026.

Application instructions:

Please submit your resume and a cover letter discussing any coursework in Renaissance literature of early European history that lead you to apply for this opportunity. The application deadline is Tuesday, September 8th.

Note: You must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at a Folger Institute Consortium university to be considered for this internship.

Compensation and Benefits:

• This is a weekly paid hourly position, with a pay rate of $25/hr.
• Opportunity to audit advanced seminars (with approval).
• Exposure to and handling of rare and primary source materials in the Folger’s collection.
• Opportunity to interact with scholars, fellows, and visiting faculty.
• If the intern’s university offers academic credit, Folger can complete any required documentation.

Duties: The intern will provide essential logistical and administrative support to the Institute’s staff and programming.

• Supports Program Assistant and Collections Program Coordinator with coordinating and staffing rare book displays.
• Prepares seminar handouts and listserv announcements for various events.
• Assists with preparation of materials for committee meetings (e.g., semi-annual Consortium Executive Committee and selection committees).
• Assists with the setup of AV and computer equipment for Folger Institute programming.
• Verifies bibliographic citations.
• Provides general support for Folger Institute events and operations, including occasional support through the Library of Congress.

Education and Experience:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree at a Folger Institute Consortium university. Preference given to juniors and seniors.
• Demonstrated interest in the history, culture, or culture of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Europe, England, and the Atlantic World.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Must be detail-oriented with exemplary organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively work with others, share ideas, and contribute to a cohesive team environment.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage workload effectively.
• Ability to be punctual and manage time effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
• Knowledgeable about or willing to learn Zoom functionality.

Interested individuals should submit their cover letter and resume. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted. No phone calls please.

The Folger is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To learn more about our benefits, please click here.