Nashville Public Library offers internships and library practicums for college and graduate school students.
All library locations are closed Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.
College Internships & Library Practicum
About Internships and Library Practicums
Library Internships
Library internships are designed for college students with interests in many disciplines of the humanities, social sciences, arts, and education. Students engage in career exploration and complete well-defined projects, supervised by library staff who mentor and guide. Time commitment is usually 100-150 hours during a semester (10-15 hours per week). Available internships change each term.
High school students and youth seeking summer internships should check with the POWER Youth Summer Employment Initiative (formerly Opportunity Now), which offers internships, work experiences, and a job portal for youth ages 14-24.
Library Practicums
The Library Practicum is designed for MLIS/MIS graduate students preparing for library careers. It offers both breadth and depth of experience through a carefully structured sequence of assignments in different Nashville Public Library divisions and branches, followed by an extended assignment in an area of professional interest. The practicum is normally a 150 hour commitment within a semester (10-15 hours per week).
Application Process
Apply online using the form linked at the end of each position description. You may indicate interest in more than one position on the form. Applicants will be contacted to schedule a telephone interview and may be asked to submit additional materials. Applications undergo a thorough review and students will be notified of their status.
The Library offers internships and library practicums for spring, summer and fall terms. Position descriptions, requirements, and qualifications are posted for individual positions as they become available, up to one year in advance.
Internships and practicums are open until filled. Placement is competitive and not guaranteed. We are not able to accommodate late requests or applications.
Opportunities
Internship Available:
Fall 2026
Project Description:
The Metro Archives seeks a motivated and detail-oriented intern to assist with processing and preserving historical collections. Duties include inventorying, arranging, describing, and creating finding aids for a variety of collections, including personal papers and governmental or organizational records. These materials offer valuable insight into Nashville's political, community, and urban development.
What You Gain
- Practical experience with archival processing in a professional setting.
- Skills in arrangement, description, preservation, and finding‑aid creation.
- Exposure to diverse historical collections connected to Nashville’s development.
- Flexible scheduling and the opportunity to earn academic credit (if eligible).
Qualifications:
Preferred applicants
- College or graduate students studying history, political science, archival studies, public history, English, library science, or information science.
- Enthusiastic about historical records, archival processing, and data collection.
- Detail‑oriented and able to work independently with accuracy.
- Comfortable using Excel; familiarity with digital imaging and basic document preservation is a plus.
Targeted Majors / Programs of Study
- History
- Public History
- Library Science
- Archival Studies
- English
- Information Science
- Political Science
Position Type:
Internship Dates & Hours
- In-person, weekday schedule with flexibility for additional hours if needed for academic credit.
- A valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in archival processing and historical preservation.
Fall 2026 Semester
- 90-150 hours (in-person, weekdays; flexible scheduling available)
Internship Available:
Fall, 2026
Project Description:
Location
NECAT Studio
120 White Bridge Rd. #46
Nashville, TN 37209
Duration
Fall Term / 120 Hours
Compensation
Unpaid
Overview
Nashville Public Library’s Collections and Technology Division is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic NECAT TV Production Intern to join our Nashville Education, Community, and Arts Television (NECAT) team. This unpaid internship offers hands-on experience in a professional studio setting, working closely with internal and external producers. Applicants must be current college students seeking real‑world production experience and creative growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist internal and external producers during studio productions.
- Learn and operate professional television production equipment.
- Gain familiarity with broadcast automation tools such as Cablecast.
- Maintain and organize studio and customer data.
- Participate in production meetings and contribute creative ideas.
- Support general studio operations including equipment setup, tear down, and maintenance.
What You Will Gain
- Direct hands-on experience in a professional TV production environment.
- Exposure to broadcast automation and studio workflows.
- Mentorship from experienced industry professionals.
- Networking opportunities within the Nashville media community.
Qualifications:
Preferred
- Experience or coursework in videography, video editing, animation, photography, or audio production.
- Familiarity with production equipment and software is advantageous, but a willingness to learn is essential.
- Basic knowledge of broadcast automation tools or similar systems.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills,
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced studio environment.
Position Type:
Extras
Unpaid. Intern receives free NECAT Membership for a year following completion of Internship. Ability to produce and air their own projects on NECAT Network. Free use of production equipment for projects to be aired on NECAT Network during duration of internship and a year following completion.
Application Deadline: July, 7, 2026.
Launch your television production career with an exciting, hands-on opportunity at Nashville Public Library.