Information Specialist Internship Program

“ISIP is the first time I’ve had a job that I’ve been really, really excited to go to each day… I’m surprised by how many things a librarian can do!”
-Corey Black, ISIP Intern, Spring 2013

ISIP Benefits

ISIP provides second and third year undergraduates at the University of Wisconsin-Madison an experiential learning opportunity to obtain knowledge and hands-on experience in the field of information and library services. ISIP offers:

• two-year paid internship
• firsthand experience in the field of information science
• experience that will directly advance your career and academic goals
• flexible schedule
• career mentoring and resume assistance

The program is designed to provide exposure, mentoring, and training in the field that will complement and enhance each student’s specific academic and career development goals. ISIP’s structure is based upon a 2 year cycle, divided by three to four units/modules per year that focus upon the essential foundation of the information profession. Each unit will last approximately eight weeks and entails 8-10 hours of work each week.

The internship program will provide participants with exposure to different work environments representative of the academic profession, and essential experiences in the following areas: collection management, information technology, public services, technical services and special libraries.

Who are Information Specialists?

Today’s information specialists are: librarians, data managers, educators, researchers, public administrators, information architects, children’s services specialists, reader’s advisers, patent information experts, and more, with many choices for career directions.

Information specialists are people who manage and maintain the world of information, and run the institutions that serve people’s needs for lifelong learning. In addition, libraries have a long history of defending intellectual freedom and advocating for social justice. For more information, please refer to the Library Bill of Rights.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility is limited to second year and third year undergraduates enrolled on the UW-Madison campus, at least half-time, during the academic year, regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation. The internship is designed to increase diversity in information specialist professions in the United States.

Expectations

Commitment to full ISIP participation in addition to paid weekly work hours will include: attending scheduled meetings (unit supervisor or mentor and interns); a local conference; as well as the completion of an exit interview designed to enable the development of the internship program for future participants.