Redesigning an academic library internship program with equity in mind: Reflections and takeaways

Abstract

In the 2021–2022 academic year, the Columbia University Libraries piloted a new approach to internships for Masters of Library and Information Science (MLIS) students and recent graduates. Reexamining longstanding practices and recognizing the opportunities afforded by remote work led to the extensive redesign and relaunch of the program. Hosted by Columbia University Libraries, the Ask A Librarian Internship provides interns with hands-on experience in various areas of academic librarianship. The new internship is 10 hours per week with compensation of $20 per hour, with duties split between staffing chat reference and contributing to a project. By working closely with a librarian supervisor who provides guidance on internship duties as well as navigating academic librarianship more broadly, interns can gain valuable advice and experience. In this article, we share the aims and process of redesigning the program and reflect on our experiences and takeaways for academic libraries.