Library and Research Intern

Overview

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.

AARP's Policy, Research and International Affairs leads the development and communication of AARP's public policies and, research and insights on the issues that matter to people 50-plus.

Fine-tune your research skills by interning with a dynamic AARP Library & Strategic Services unit focused on research, insights, synthesis, innovation, personal growth, and emerging technologies. You would be involved with the first-year launch of a best-in-class enterprise-wide insights platform. The internship will provide the student with hands-on experience in conducting secondary research using a vast array of databases, as well as experience in interpreting and synthesizing research findings. We seek a Master's-level graduate student pursuing a degree in Library & Information Science, Research, or a related field. We'll challenge you to think and work innovatively on real-world projects. AARP is committed to your growth and cultivating your continued learning and development. This paid internship has an anticipated start date of Fall 2023 and will go through the end of the year with the possibility of extending additional semesters.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize research findings from AARP's collection of resources, including primary and secondary research, surveys, consumer and market research databases, academic journals, etc.
• Analyze and write up findings and insights; apply innovative thinking and problem-solving to challenges
• Conduct literature reviews and market scans for stakeholders throughout the association and perform company due diligence and people vetting
• Support technical services activities, including collection development, database management, building web pages, and copy cataloging
• Proactively distribute research from AARP's collection of resources to internal stakeholders, including contributing relevant research to AARP Library's issue area newsletters distributed throughout the organization
• Provide face-to-face interactions at the Library's Reference Desk when in the office and monitor and provide timely responses via the library's internal communication channels to help manage project intake
• Manage several projects at once and answer ad-hoc research requests as assigned; assist in managing special projects and marketing internal library events
• Explore and demonstrate emerging technologies in the AARP Library collection, such as virtual reality (VR) technology
• Work well with others, communicate with team members about working hours and schedules, and be present and engaged

Qualifications

• Prospective intern must be enrolled in a Master's-level degree program in Library and Information Science or a related field at an accredited college or university
• Excellent research and legal search strategies in library databases (ProQuest, Westlaw, EBSCOhost, LexisNexis)
• Excellent written, oral communication, and critical thinking skills and ability to synthesize research findings
• Ability to identify, analyze and solve problems creatively and independently
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a team
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and shift priorities as directed
• A strong commitment to providing outstanding customer service
• Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Inquisitiveness, organization, and keen attention to details

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA)

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as telecommuting workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work and telecommuting can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly range is $18 for undergraduates, $21 for graduate students, and $28 for Ph.D. candidates. Internships are non-exempt positions and are not eligible for employee benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.