Call for Applications: Employing Humanities Undergraduate Internship with Santa Cruz Public Libraries

Application Deadline: Sunday, January 21, 2024

The Humanities Division at UCSC is excited to announce an experiential learning opportunity for Humanities undergraduates at UC Santa Cruz to work with Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL). Internships connect Humanities majors and minors to projects in the community, with the aim of mutually benefiting students and organizations. Students gain practical experience, professional training, and learn about positions outside of the university that build on their studies in the Humanities. At the same time, community organizations benefit from students’ assistance and academic expertise.

About Santa Cruz Public Libraries

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) system delivers information, education, enrichment and inspiration through a network of 10 neighborhood library branches, a web-based digital library, a Bookmobile and community-based programs. SCPL serves children, teens and adults with innovative programming, professional services and community facilities that spark imagination and support discovery. Residents can explore a wide range of interests from academic research, book clubs and literacy programs to digital photography, locally-produced music and local history. Branch locations include Aptos, Boulder Creek, Branciforte, Capitola, Downtown Santa Cruz, Felton, Garfield Park, La Selva Beach, Live Oak and Scotts Valley.

Position Description: Archival Research Assistant 

Working with the SCPL Jail Services team, the intern will work to strengthen the public’s understanding of the history of incarceration of women in Santa Cruz County. They’ll conduct research, provide a brief report of research findings, and assist the project lead with creating an infographic. Along the way, the intern will cultivate empathy and compassion for women who are incarcerated, and amplify the histories of women incarcerated in SC County, past and present. The intern will also provide support for the SCPL table at the Women’s History Month Celebration at the Museum of Art & History (MAH) on March 28th from 4-9pm.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS

• Research [50%]: Using SCPL archives and local history collections, research history of incarceration of women in Santa Cruz County, gather findings in…
• Storytelling / Communication [40%]: Provide a brief written report of research findings to share with library staff and patrons, women who are incarcerated, and community members. Assist project lead with synthesizing the information and creating a public-facing infographic
• Community Engagement [10%]: Support SCPL tabling initiatives during Women’s History Month, talking with community members about research findings, using the public-facing infographic to share main points.

When: January – March 31, 2024 (with an opportunity to extend through April 12, 2024)

• Mandatory Event Date: March 28, 2024* (4:00-9:00 PM) *Note: this is UCSC’s Spring Break

Working Hours: 10-15 hours/week

Compensation: $20/hour

Location: This is a HYBRID position. Work will be conducted:

• Virtually (50%): remote asynchronous work & Zoom/Google Meet
• In Person (50%): Downtown Santa Cruz Branch, SCPL Headquarters in downtown, Museum of Art & History (MAH) in downtown
  • Some research will need to be done onsite at the Downtown SC Library. Some meetings would be best done in person.
  • The March 28th event will take place in person at the MAH.
  • All in-person locations are in Downtown Santa Cruz, within easy walking distance of the SC Metro Bus Station on Pacific Ave.

Reports to:: Jesse Silva, SCPL Outreach Librarian

Qualifications: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• You are a declared major or minor in a department in the Humanities Division, and you are in good academic standing. [required]
• You are organized and responsible when it comes to assignments and deadlines.
• You are a proactive communicator.

What to expect of the site supervisor

• Responsive communication via email and phone
• Weekly check ins
• Meet every two weeks
• In-person tour of SCPL archives, including local history collection
• Access to SCPL archives (with site supervisor present)
• Will provide comprehensive overview of SCPL online databases

What You’ll Gain From This Experience

• Gain a deeper understanding of history of incarceration of women in Santa Cruz County
• Gain experience researching public library archives
• Comprehensive overview of SCPL online databases
• Experience planning and presenting at a community event with library staff
• Gain a deeper understanding of how public libraries can be hubs for promoting social justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity

How To Apply

Apply by submitting your resume and a short cover letter (no more than one page) answering these questions: Why this job? Why you? Why now?

Please address your cover letter to Jesse Silva.

• A tip for writing this cover letter is to consider how this position will further your undergraduate studies as well as your professional career once you have completed your education.
• Review these resume and cover letter resources to ensure that you are a strong candidate.

Applications are due Sunday, January 21, 2024

Once the application window closes, there will be a virtual interview process with top candidates.

Email our Experiential Learning Coordinator Kylie Rachwalski at hum-experiential-learning@ucsc.edu with questions.

This undergraduate internship is generously supported by The Mellon Foundation.