Branch Services LIS Intern

Internship opportunity for students currently enrolled in an ALA-accredited library school. This paid internship will provide students with valuable experiences in a large branch of a public library system. 

Position Summary: Responsible for support for branch operations and service to children, teens and adults under the direct supervision of the Oshtemo Branch Manager. Duties to include performing public service desk duties, assisting with youth and adult programming, participating in community outreach programs, providing reference and reader’s advisory services, and assisting in the development and maintenance of the youth collections at the branches.  

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provides direct patron service; assists in the location of materials, responses to reference and reader advisory questions; instructs patrons in the use of all library resources. 
2. Assists in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of innovative and engaging youth and adult programming. 
3. Assists in collection development and maintenance at branch locations. 
4. Represents KPL at community and outreach activities and events. 
5. Contributes to KPL’s online presence as assigned. 
6. Participates in departmental meetings and library-related events. 
7. Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned. 

Professional Competencies

Job Specific Knowledge and Skill: Demonstrates general knowledge of pertinent fields and awareness of current trends in area of specialty. Acts as a resource to others; freely and willingly shares new trends and technology with others. 

• Demonstrates a basic knowledge of library practices and procedures. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of reference and readers’ advisory practices. 
• Demonstrates basic understanding of cataloging, classification, indexing procedures, and practices to support collection maintenance. 

1. Attendance/Punctuality: Demonstrates reliability by consistently arriving to work, meetings and appointments on time. Adjusts schedule and remains flexible to meet changing work needs and demands. 
2. Organizational Support/Ethics: Contributes to the improvement and success of the library system by aligning work priorities with library vision, goals and strategic plan. 
3. Customer Service: Demonstrates strong public service orientation. Represents the library positively and professionally when dealing with staff, managers, vendors, colleagues and members of the public.   
4. Creativity/Innovation: Looks for opportunities to apply new and evolving ideas, methods, design and technologies.
5. Quality: Provides high quality services, processes, and programs while consistently seeking ways to improve outcomes and enhance services. 
6. Communication skills: Conveys ideas and facts using language appropriate to the audience and situation.  
7. Accountability: Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work, and achieves results with little oversight. 
8. Flexibility/Adaptability: Performs a wide range of tasks, responds to change in directions and priorities, and accepts new challenges, responsibilities and assignments. 
9. Technology skills: Demonstrates up-to-date computer and technology skills necessary for effective communications, completion of job responsibilities and provision of quality customer service. 
10. Safety: Adheres to all workplace and trade safety laws, regulations, standards and practices. 
11. Knowledge of Materials: Demonstrates a knowledge and appreciation of literature, periodicals, audiovisual materials, various electronic media including websites, and other materials that contribute to a diverse, current and relevant collection. 

Collection Development: Understands the basic theory and practice of collection development; supports the development of a collection of materials from a broad range of selection sources that encompass all appropriate formats, including but not limited to media that reflect varied and emerging technologies. 

Knowledge of Patron Group: Evaluates and responds to the diverse needs, preferences, and resources of children on a regular and systematic basis. 

Minimum Qualifications

1. Actively enrolled in an ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science program. 
2. Basic knowledge of library operations. 

Physical demands and work environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to move independently within the office and patron areas of the library and in the communities served. This position requires frequent positioning of self for programming and to collect and shelve materials from carts onto library shelving and displays. Occasionally requires maintaining stationary position for desk work. Occasional movement of material loads up to 25 lbs. Frequent use of computer. Must be able to distinguish material and classification details at close range. Must be able to communicate effectively.  
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to move independently within the office and patron areas of the library and in the communities served. This position frequently requires maintaining stationary position for desk work but must also be able to position self to serve patrons within public areas and retrieve and move materials on shelves and displays. Must be able to distinguish material and classification details at close range. The position requires the ability to communicate accurate information. Weights up to 25 pounds are occasionally encountered.   
• Work environment: Work will be performed in an office environment, library spaces, and in the communities served. Some local travel outside the library is required. While performing the duties of this job outside of the library environment, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. 

Schedule

20-25 hrs. weekly; including evenings and weekends. 

Salary

$18.75 an hour; starting wage

Completed employment application, cover letter and resume are required for consideration.

Deadline for applications:  Friday, September 25, 2026 at 5 pm