Internship in Rare Book and Library Materials Conservation
With generous funding from the Mellon Foundation, the University of Washington Libraries is pleased to offer a 10-week summer internship open to qualified applicants. Affiliation with the University of Washington is not required.
Application deadline is Monday, February 2, 2026.
Overview and Application Deadline
The University of Washington Libraries is offering an internship for an individual with a demonstrated interest in the conservation of books and archival materials. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop their conservation treatment skills and portfolio using diverse special collections from the UW Libraries. Applicants are expected to be preparing for a graduate level conservation program.
We are looking for interns who:
- Have good hand skills and attention to detail.
- Are interested in pursuing a career in the conservation of library materials.
- Have some previous experience with sewn book structures.
- Are actively preparing for a graduate level conservation program.
- Have a portfolio of work to share to show their hand skills and interest in conservation of books and other library materials. It may include examples of bookbinding, artwork or other hand crafts, and/or other conservation experiences.
This is a full-time (40 hours per week) summer program. The duration is 10 weeks, with exact dates to be arranged between June and September 2026. To ensure consideration, applications should be received no later than 5:00 pm (PST), Monday, February 2, 2026.
Activities and Instruction
Working mainly under the supervision of the Senior Conservator of Books and Paper, the intern will have the opportunity to perform a range of conservation treatments on rare books, manuscripts, and other archival and special collections materials on paper. The intern will develop skills in treatment decision making, prepare condition and treatment reports with appropriate photo documentation, and gain additional experience in conservation treatment.
While the focus will be on the practical application of conservation techniques, preservation staff will also work with the applicant to develop future success in the field. Through guided treatment, general discussion, and selected readings, the applicant will develop a more in-depth understanding of the complex issues associated with the conservation and preservation of library materials. The intern will also have the opportunity to learn about other aspects of the work of the preservation department as desired. A discussion will take place before the internship to help align the projects to the intern’s skills and interests as much as possible.
The internship will be for a 10-week term and will be 75% treatment and 25% administrative (documentation and preventive conservation). The intern is required to give a final presentation on completed work.
Benefits and Stipend
The Conservation Intern will have the opportunity to strengthen an application to graduate-level conservation programs and will deepen skills in library materials conservation to better prepare them for future work in the conservation field. Additionally, this internship provides an $8,000 stipend.
The UW Libraries Preservation Department is located in Seattle, Washington. Interns may have the opportunity to visit other conservators and collection managers in nearby conservation labs and museums. For more information on Seattle, see the Visit Seattle website.
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit the following as part of their application (a single PDF file is preferred):
- Cover letter outlining how the internship will help them meet their future goals
- Resumé including contact information for two appropriate references
Selected applicants will also be asked to submit a digital portfolio of work at a later date.
For questions about this opportunity, please contact Leith Calcote (Senior Conservator) at [email protected].
Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States and the University of Washington is unable to sponsor a visa for this internship. Completion of this internship does not lead to or entitle the applicant to a job with the University of Washington. Interns are responsible for making their own housing arrangements.
Equal Opportunity
The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran. This policy applies to all programs and facilities, including, but not limited to, admissions, educational programs, employment, and patient and hospital services. Any discriminatory action can be a cause for disciplinary action. Discrimination is prohibited by Washington State Gubernatorial Executive Orders 89-01 and 93-07, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Washington State Law Against Discrimination RCW 49.60, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, State of Washington Gender Equity in Higher Education Act of 1989, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 as amended, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1972 as amended, other federal and state statutes, regulations, and University policy. Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action compliance efforts at the University of Washington are coordinated by the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, University of Washington, 4320 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle WA 98195-4969, Box 354960, telephone(206) 543-3392 or email [email protected].
The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at least ten days in advance at: 206.543.6450/V, 206.685.7264 (FAX), or [email protected].