Archive & Special Collections Internship Application (LIBR 397H)

Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).

Please complete this application form to apply for LIBR 397H, Archives and Special Collections Internship.

Internships are in-person and available to WWU students (only). The number of candidates accepted is limited and will vary based on available resources and supervisor capacity. Students must apply and receive approval from the instructor before registering. The application deadline is October 16, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified via email that they can register by November 3.

Internships are in-person: interns will rotate between the three units of Archives & Special Collections, and complete activities at Special Collections (Wilson 6), plus the University Archives & Records Management and Center for Pacific Northwest Studies (Archives Building), on WWU’s Bellingham campus.

Course description: Students in this internship program will gain experience working directly with archives, rare books, and other historical documents. Under the supervision of professional archivists and curators in Western Libraries’ Division of Archives & Special Collections, interns will develop knowledge of how and why these resources are managed and made available for use in research and teaching. By rotating through the division’s three units, students will sample the work that is done in each. Hands-on projects will be complemented by readings, reflections, and discussions. (3 credit course | Instructor: Michael Taylor | CRN:13723)

Section 1 - Student Identification

Name (Last, First)

Major / Minor

Year at WWU

WWU Email address

Confirm email

Section 2 - Registration information

Students must be registered for credits to perform any part of the internship work.
The internship is for three credits (30 hours of work per credit). Eight hours of work per week are required, for a total of 90 hours over the quarter.
Work may be scheduled Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. With prior approval students may alter their schedule, but consistency and a block of dedicated time is expected.
The internship will include one hour of student-faculty/staff contact each week with the remaining hours dedicated to work and assigned study.

Internship schedule

Available days (if known)

Available hours (if known)

Section 3 - Learning Objectives

What would you hope to learn from this experience (be as specific as you can)?

How will this experience contribute to your educational and/or career goals?

Do you have any specific areas of interest and/or project goals related to archives and special collections?

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

Section 4 - Student agreement

Course Description: I have read the course description for the Archives and Special Collections Student Internship. I understand that the internship will include some written assignments/reflections and a final oral presentation, in addition to hands-on activities throughout the quarter.

3 credits: I understand that the internship is for three credits (30 hours of work per credit). Eight hours of work per week are required, for a total of 90 hours over the quarter.

In person requirement: I understand that the internship is in-person: I am able to attend and complete internship activities onsite at Special Collections (Wilson 6) and the University Archives & Records Management and Center for Pacific Northwest Studies (Archives Building)

Scheduling: I understand that internship work/hours must be scheduled Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and that a consistent weekly schedule is expected.

Acceptance: If my application is accepted, I will coordinate with A&SC faculty and staff advisors on a schedule and potential projects prior to beginning the internship.

Student's signature / date

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