Business Title:

Chief of Staff EDIBA Intern

Working Title (optional):  

School/Unit:

Harvard Library

Department:

Office of the Chief of Staff  

Salary Grade:

Exempt/Non-Exempt:

Full Time or Part Time:

FT

Hours per Week:

30

End Date (if Term Appointment):

August 2023

Summary: 

The Harvard College Library (HCL) Task Force on Inclusive Library Spaces was charged with conducting research and writing a report with the goal of developing recommendations for making our spaces feel welcoming and inclusive to diverse populations, auditing spaces and developing prioritized implementation plans.

This internship will be part of the implementation of the recommendations related to artwork. It provides an opportunity to explore how the artwork displayed within university library spaces can foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all users. This work will include putting together examples of art for Harvard Library spaces and creating pilot exhibit spaces where ideas can be implemented and presented to stakeholders, e.g., students and library staff. Interns will assist with user experience research to support the creation of surveys or focus group questionnaires investigating those pilots. The intern will also learn about work being performed in several areas of the library and will have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues.  

Duties and Responsibilities: 

The EDIBA intern will be part of developing plans to implement the following recommendations from the Harvard College Library Task Force on Inclusive Library Spaces report as it relates to artwork. Such as:

• Seeking more diversity in the artwork chosen to display in HCL spaces
• Assists in moving away from the predominance of traditional portraiture and assist in incorporating the following kinds of art in the library spaces:  

• Research works created by emerging and/or diverse artists and art that highlights the values, achievements, and cultures of historically underrepresented groups.   

• Research works that’s student-created, goes beyond the figurative such as abstract works or work depicting nature, or “Non-traditional” mediums such as murals, projections, interactive artwork, etc.
• Assists in creating a plan and timeline to rotate exhibits to keep spaces fresh and engaging.  

• Grows acquainted with various library departments and collections and collaborates with our operations team, library and museum colleagues who work on exhibits and colleagues in Library Technology Services and our communications team. 

Basic Qualifications: 

• Working towards a degree in fine arts, architecture, art history, museum studies, or working towards a library degree with an interest in art. 
• Minimum of 1-year professional work experience. Professional experience may include internships and volunteer experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Antiracism

Additional Qualifications: 

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills  
• Strong creative and analytical skills 
• Excellent research skills 
• Strong organizational skills 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Physical Demands: 

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Some lifting, kneeling, and sitting 
• Some exposure to dirt and dust 

Work Environment: 

• In-person/on-site work