WWF Legacy Library Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was founded in 1961 and is one of the world's leading conservation organizations. With a mission to help people and nature thrive, WWF operates in over 100 countries. The organization partners with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and advance sustainable solutions. Grounded in science and driven by collaboration, WWF focuses on conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and addressing climate change. Nearly 1 million people in the United States and more than 5 million globally are members of WWF, reflecting its extensive reach and commitment to environmental conservation.

Job Overview:
The WWF Legacy Library Intern position is designed for a graduate-level intern with expertise in library science. The primary function of this role is to assist in the design of a cataloging system and to begin organizing a variety of materials, including books, reports, and archival documents, for the new WWF Legacy Library. The intern will apply library science principles and current cataloging practices to ensure that the library effectively preserves and showcases WWF's history. This role involves close coordination with the Facilities unit and the Legacy Library Committee, emphasizing the importance of creating a library that is engaging, accessible, and easy for staff to utilize for reference and inspiration. The intern will also gain valuable experience in assessing materials, organizing library space, and adapting library science best practices to a large non-profit organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for coordinating with the Legacy Library Committee to design and develop a classification system for organizing the library's collection, which includes books, periodicals, and internal documents that reflect WWF's organizational history. Key responsibilities include preparing a final draft guidance document on the classification system, which will include clear and user-friendly instructions for staff volunteers responsible for library upkeep. The intern will present the draft system to the Legacy Library Committee and WWF leadership for approval. Once approved, the intern will design and implement an efficient procedure for processing library holdings, which currently consist of a mix of shelved and boxed materials. Additionally, the intern will draft recommendations for ongoing library acquisition, management, and lending procedures based on the classification system, culminating in a final report for the Legacy Library Committee.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be currently enrolled in or have recently graduated from an American Library Association-accredited Master of Library Science or Master of Library and Information Science program. An interest in wildlife conservation, earth sciences, or a related field is essential. The intern should be able to apply library science principles and advancements in recording, managing, and cataloging various materials to create a library that effectively represents WWF's history. Strong organizational skills, high attention to detail and accuracy, and the ability to manage time effectively are crucial. The candidate should be self-motivated, capable of working independently as well as in a team setting, and must align with WWF's core values of Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to have a Master of Library Science or Master of Library and Information Science degree from an American Library Association-accredited program. This educational background is critical for understanding the principles of library science and applying them effectively in a practical setting.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have some experience or coursework related to library science, particularly in cataloging and organizing materials. While specific prior work experience may not be mandatory, familiarity with library science principles and practices is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication and documentation. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
Applicants must upload their resume and a cover letter as part of the application process. Due to the high volume of applications, the organization will not respond to phone inquiries, and only candidates under consideration will be contacted. It is important to note that applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, as this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. In compliance with federal law, all hired individuals will need to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. Additionally, WWF promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of various characteristics protected under applicable law.