Minitex Outreach and Instruction Internship

Minitex Overview

Minitex is a publicly supported library organization dedicated to strengthening libraries, cultural institutions, and their communities. Serving Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, Minitex collaborates with academic, public, school, and special libraries to enhance services for patrons. Minitex's suite of services promotes effective delivery of needed information, partnerships, and sharing of library resources including collections and electronic resources, bibliographic records, and reference services.

Minitex is a joint program of the Office of Higher Education and the University of Minnesota, and operates as a division of the University Libraries based on the Twin Cities Campus.

Programs of particular relevance to this internship include:

• eLibrary Minnesota (ELM): A statewide collection of databases accessible to all residents.
• AskMN: An online reference and information service available statewide.
• EbooksMN: A statewide collection of ebooks and audiobooks highlighting content from Minnesota independent publishers.
• Outreach & Instruction (O&I): Provides training, instructional design, and support for library workers across Minnesota.

Position Overview
The Minitex Outreach & Instruction Intern will work under the supervision of the O&I unit and gain hands-on experience in developing, promoting, and evaluating statewide library outreach and instructional initiatives. This internship provides a practical introduction to online reference service, instructional design, and digital outreach strategies within a statewide library cooperative. The internship will run from June 15 - August 21, 2026. The intern for this position will work for 10 hours a week, Monday - Friday.

Intern tasks may include a selection of the following:

• Participate in staffing the AskMN statewide virtual reference cooperative (approximately one hour per week).
• Engage with library users to provide reference assistance and research guidance.
• Evaluate and summarize common question trends or topics for internal reporting.

• Contribute to the redesign and usability testing of the eLibrary Minnesota (ELM) website.
• Help develop or revise instructional materials (e.g., tutorials, research guides, videos, or help content).
• Conduct accessibility and content audits (checking links, alt text, and readability).

• Assist with coordination and documentation for the ELM Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
• Create instructional materials and finding aids for the new collection of ELM resources beginning July 1, 2026.
• Draft and edit outreach materials (e.g., newsletters, announcements, blog posts).

• Explore the use of AI tools in instruction, research, or data analysis.
  Possible mini-projects include:
  • Using AI to analyze user or training session feedback.
  • Use the REACT Framework to review AI generative tools in ELM databases.
  • Assessing how AI can be integrated into statistics or outreach strategies.
• Explore opportunities for outreach to underserved communities.
• Present findings or a summary report to the O&I team at the end of the internship.

• Gain practical experience in library outreach, instruction, and virtual reference.
• Contribute to statewide library initiatives and professional development programs.
• Develop skills in usability testing, accessibility, content creation, and data-informed outreach.
• Build familiarity with Minitex's structure, statewide programs, and collaborative partnerships.

Required:

• Enrollment in a current MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) program.
• Strong written communication and organizational skills.

• Ability to work in-person one day per week at Minitex (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities campus)

Preferred:

• Experience or coursework in reference, instruction, or website usability.
• Interest in emerging technologies and library user engagement.

Pay Range: $20.00 hourly

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Upload a cover letter highlighting your skills related to this internship.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.