Internship Program Mission Statement 

The Historic New Orleans Collection’s internship program offers students and emerging public history professionals a unique opportunity to engage with collections that represent the creative heritage and rich history of Louisiana. HNOC internships foster experiential learning through exploration, inquiry, and practice. We aim to create an environment that enables interns to identify, actualize, and confidently pursue their academic and professional goals. 

Project Description  

In collaboration with the Louisiana State University School of Information Studies, the Historic New Orleans Collection offers a comprehensive exploration of the functions, administration, and services of research libraries and archival systems. 

Hosted within HNOC's Williams Research Center, this program emphasizes the interconnectedness of various disciplines within information management and prepares students to navigate the complexities of contemporary library environments and research-oriented collections. Throughout this internship, participants will explore critical themes such as the organization, dissemination, and preservation of information in both physical and digital formats; equipping students with the competencies necessary to serve as custodians of information resources. 

Intern Engagement and Learning Objectives:  

The intern will:   

• analyze regulatory frameworks that govern information management practices. 
• critically assess the role of a research-oriented library in preserving knowledge for public audiences, exploring how these institutions contribute to community engagement and lifelong learning and advance the services of the Williams Research Center 
• collaborate with the staff at the Williams Research Center on designated tasks aimed at improving the organization and accessibility of information resources. 
• demonstrate a thorough understanding of archival theory and its application within professional contexts. 
• enhance understanding of information management disciplines, including organization, access, and regulation of information. 

Deliverables/Expectation of Completion 

Per the policies of the Louisiana State University School of Information Science, interns are required to complete a project of engagement which aligns with and compliments the scope of work involved in the Graduate Intensive. This project will be arranged in advance of the program start date by the intern’s assigned project leads. Project schemes may include, but are not limited to: 

• processing a collection (in its entirety or partially) 
• digitizing activities (scanning, metadata creation, digital collection management) 
• coordinating a public outreach or educational event 
• conducting a preservation survey 
• creating a disaster management plan 
• engaging in an applied conservation project 

Project Format 

This is an on-site placement. The intern will be expected to report physically to the Historic New Orleans Collection French Quarter campus and be stationed at the Williams Research Center located at 410 Chartres St., New Orleans, LA 70130. 

Participant Expectations 

Attendance: Regular attendance is mandatory. Interns are expected to complete a minimum of 22 hours of engagement per week at the Williams Research Center. A specific weekly schedule will be coordinated with the intern, designated project lead(s), and program administration. 

Time Commitment: Within the six-week duration of this program, the intern will complete a minimum of 132-hours of engagement, not to exceed a total of 150-hours.  

Professionalism and Conduct: Interns should exhibit professional behavior, including punctuality, respect for the organization’s staff and patrons, and adherence to library policies. 

Candidacy Requirements: 

• Qualified candidates are graduate students actively enrolled in the Louisiana State University Master of Library and Information Science graduate program. 
• Students participating in the program in a remote or hybrid capacity are also eligible to apply and may qualify for housing accommodations paid for by the Historic New Orleans Collection. 
• MLIS students must have completed 18 hours of LIS, including all core courses and any relevant elective(s). Please contact relevant university administrations within the School of Information Science to confirm eligibility before applying.