Public Services Student Intern; Plan II Majors

Public Services Student Intern (Plan II Majors Only)

The Ransom Center is an internationally renowned humanities research library and museum at The University of Texas  extensive collections provide unique insight into the creative process of writers and artists, deepening our understanding and appreciation of literature, photography, film, art, and the performing arts. Visitors engage with the Center's collections through research and study, exhibitions, publications, and a rich variety of program offerings including readings, talks, symposia, and film screenings.

If you're considering an internship at the Ransom Center, it's probably because you're deeply curious, humanities-oriented, and an enthusiastic student of literature, film, and/or the visual arts. These internships are available to all UT students and provide unique opportunities to work behind the scenes with experts at an important cultural institution with worldwide connections. Our ideal candidates come from a wide range of experiences, have a desire for learning and mentorship, and a passion for the work done at the Ransom Center.

This is a paid, hourly internship ONLY for undergraduate and graduate students that are Plan II majors at the University of Texas s internship is for 10 hours per week for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters. The intern in this position will work closely with the Public Services Librarian to learn how to navigate the archive stacks and pull, circulate, and return materials.

They will staff service points in the Reading Room and welcome and onboard visiting researchers. This immersive opportunity will teach them how to guide diverse researchers—from undergraduate students to international scholars—through unique primary sources, equipping them with the foundational skills needed for professional roles in libraries, archives, and museums. They will have the opportunity to update and create materials to enhance the Reading Room experience for researchers.

• Function as a professional within a library-archive-museum environment.
• Increase awareness of materials within the Ransom Center's holdings on specific topics.
• Safely handle rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and other collection materials.
• Conduct research in an archive.

• Trains on and staffs multiple service points in the Reading Room, including the Circulation and Reception desks
• Locates, pulls, and re-shelves manuscripts, books, and other collection materials for patrons, classes, presentations, and other special projects
• Enters and tracks location of materials in an automated circulation system
• Assists researchers with materials handling and assists with basic reference inquiries
• Special projects will focus on enhancing the Reading Room experience through creating and updating policies and creating FAQs that will enhance the Reading Room experience.

• Strong research and communication skills
• Strong organization
• Ability to collaborate on projects as well as work independently
• Attention to detail
• Time management and commitment to keeping a regular work schedule
• Experience conducting research
• Interest in working with and interacting with the public

Salary Range: $15.00/hour at 10 hour per week

Working Conditions:

• May work around standard office conditions, including repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Ability to work outside in all types of weather, including extreme temperatures.
• May stand or sit for long periods of time.

Work Shift:

• 10 hours per week. Schedule will be discussed at the interview and will be set by the supervisor and intern. Flexibility to work around class schedule.
• Requires onsite interaction with Ransom Center staff and collections.
• Occasional weekends may be required for mission-related events.

Application Schedule and Job Date Information:

• Applications should be submitted by August 2, 2026.
• Start date of the position will be August 18, 2026, or later.
• End date will be on May 31, 2027.

Required Materials:

• Résumé
• Cover letter
• Letter of recommendation from a UT faculty member or someone who knows the candidate's professional qualification pertinent to this internship.