Center for Book Arts seeks a Summer Collections Intern
The Center for Book Arts is seeking a Collections Intern for Summer 2026 to support a range of projects across its collections. Working closely with the Artists’ Books Collection, Reference Library, and Archives, the intern will gain direct experience with the Center’s diverse holdings.
The main projects for the summer are:
· CBA Archives: Auditing and reorganizing the existing Archive, as well as cataloging many decades of CBA ephemera
· Paper Cuts Zine Collection: Cataloging 300+ zines donated by artist and educator Christopher Kardambikis
Under the supervision of the Librarian, the intern will:
· Catalog artists’ books and reference materials
· Page and shelve materials for researchers
· Other library-related projects as needed, including preservation, research and outreach
Skills and qualification requirements:
· Currently enrolled or recently graduated (within two years) student of library and information science, archival 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 collections management software a plus
· Ability to identify print processes and/or bookbinding techniques a plus
Time requirements:
The summer intern is expected to work in-person at CBA for 2-3 days a week. The internship will run from mid June to mid August. Dates are flexible and can be adjusted in accordance with the intern’s schedule and needs.
Interns will receive a $500 stipend, as well as 25% off classes and our bookshop. Please note that while some remote work is possible if necessary, the majority of this internship will take place on-site at Center for Book Arts.
The internship may qualify for academic credit if desired, and we encourage applications from MLIS students with an internship requirement. If taken for academic credit the student must arrange details with the home academic institution.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until Monday, May 25, 2026. We expect to fill the position by June 5, 2026.
To apply, please email a brief cover letter and résumé to: Nicole Rosengurt, Librarian collections@centerforbookarts.org
Please indicate which of the projects you are most interested in within the body of the email.
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.
