Center for Book Arts seeks an Academic Year Library Intern
The Center for Book Arts is seeking a Collections Intern for Fall 2026, with the possibility of extending through Spring 2027, to support a range of projects across its collections.. The intern will work closely with the Center’s collections, including the Artists’ Books, Reference Library, and Archival holdings.
There are multiple possible projects for the intern to work on throughout the year:
· Paper Cuts Zine Collection: Cataloging a collection of zines donated by artist and educator Christopher Kardambikis.
· Processing CBA Archives: Auditing and organizing the existing Archives, and cataloging ephemera related to the Center for Book Arts’ history and programming.
· Fine Arts & Reference Collection: Cataloging artists’ books and reference materials awaiting entry into the collection.
· Conservation & Preservation: Constructing custom enclosures for artists’ books and other materials to support their long-term care.
Under the supervision of the Librarian, the intern can also:
· Page and shelve materials for researchers
· Contribute to social media related to collections
· Assist with presentations of materials to visiting classes
· Other library-related projects as needed, including research and outreach
Skills and qualification requirements:
· Currently enrolled or recently graduated student of library and information science, archival studies, museum studies, art history, or comparable field. Currently enrolled MLIS students are strongly encouraged to apply.
· Interest in arts nonprofit libraries and/or artist's books and the book arts
· Ability to work independently
· Knowledge/experience of working with CollectiveAccess or other CMS software, or desire to learn CollectiveAccess
· Ability to identify print processes and/or bookbinding techniques, or a strong desire to learn these a plus
Time requirements:
14 hours (2 full days or a combination of half days) per week. Dates are flexible and can be adjusted in accordance with the intern’s schedule and needs. The fall internship will run from mid-September to mid-December. Please note that while some remote work is possible if necessary, the majority of this internship will take place in-person at Center for Book Arts.
Compensation:
This is an unpaid internship that includes a $1,000 stipend per semester. This internship can qualify for academic credit if desired, and we encourage applications from MLIS students with an internship requirement. Interns also receive 25% off classes and our bookshop.
To apply please email a resume and a cover letter indicating which of the projects you're interested in to:
Nicole Rosengurt, Librarian
collections@centerforbookarts.org
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until Monday, August 31, 2026.
About the Center: Center for Book Arts is one of the few contemporary arts organizations dedicated to the art of the book, and the only location in New York City at which visitors can view book arts exhibitions in the context of an active, working studio. The Center is dedicated to exploring and cultivating contemporary aesthetic interpretations of the book as an art object, while preserving the traditional practices of the art of the book. The Center seeks to facilitate communication between the book arts community and the larger spheres of contemporary art and literature through exhibitions, classes, public programming, literary presentations, opportunities for artists and writers, publications, and collecting.