Princeton University Library’s (PUL) Department of Special Collections is excited to offer two Special Collections Summer Fellowships. The John Foster and Janet Avery Dulles Archival Fellow is hosted at Special Collections in Mudd Library, with the other hosted at Special Collections in Firestone Library.
The fellowships provide a summer of paid work experience for current or recent graduate students interested in pursuing a career in special collections or archives.
About the Fellowship
The 2025 Fellows will gain experience in the fields of technical services, public services, and curatorial work. Projects for 2025 may include: learning and implementing reparative description; processing/reprocessing of manuscript collections (including hybrid collections with born-digital and audiovisual materials); metadata cleanup; participation in the reference rotation and answering reference questions in person and remotely; working alongside curatorial staff to learn and implement contemporary collecting and stewardship practices; and conducting research on areas of scholarly inquiry and supporting curatorial projects as an integral part of an acquisitions team. The fellows will work with a diverse team of Library and archives professionals but will have one primary supervisor for the term of their fellowship.
More information about the Library and its holdings is available on the Library website.
This 10- to 12-week residency program, which starts in June, will be paid at a rate of $32.00 per hour for 36.25 hours/week (subject to state/local/federal taxes). In addition, expenses for attending one North American-based conference of the fellow’s choosing (travel, registration fees, and hotel) will be covered by Princeton University Library.
Requirements
- Experience working in the archival and/or special collections profession (including positions held as part of volunteer programs, internships, work-study programs, contract/adjunct work, other fellowships, etc.).
- Current graduate student or recent graduate (within one year of graduation) of an advanced degree program in archive or library/information management, museum studies and public history, or other related disciplines.
- Excellent organization and communication skills.
- Excellent time management and project management skills (ability to manage multiple projects).
- Willingness and commitment to learn new technologies.
Foreign language skills (particularly Spanish-language reading skills) are valued, but not essential.
Princeton University Library is committed to recruiting a diverse workforce and advancing the University’s commitment to racial equity within our community and in the world. We encourage candidates from all diverse backgrounds and life experiences to apply for our positions. To find out more about PUL’s work towards greater inclusivity, equity, and diversity, please see PUL’s “About” page.
To apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two academic and/or professional references addressed to the search committee at
with the subject line “[Applicant Last Name] 2025 Summer Fellowship.” If you are particularly interested in either the Mudd or Firestone position, please indicate that in your cover letter. Applications must be received by Monday, March 3, 2025. Zoom interviews will be conducted with the top candidates by the beginning of April, and the successful candidate will be notified by April 14, 2025.
Please note: University dormitory housing may be available to the successful candidate, but most past fellows have found housing off campus. Fellows are responsible for identifying and paying for their housing.
Princeton University is an
and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
