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Archives & Special Collections Practicum

Archives & Special Collections Practicum

An opportunity for undergraduate students to learn the principles and practices of archival work through experiential learning within the Williams Research Center.

Summary Testimonials Opportunities & FAQs

Who: Undergraduate juniors and seniors at Louisiana colleges and universities
When: Summer, six weeks from June to July
Where: Onsite at HNOC in the French Quarter

Summary

The Archives and Special Collections Practicum introduces undergraduate students to the principles and practices of archival work through experiential learning within a research library. The practicum emphasizes guided professional development and provides exposure to the intellectual and ethical dimensions of archival practice, while strengthening transferable skills in research, analysis, and communication. By engaging directly with primary sources and archival methodologies, participants gain foundational experience that prepares them for future study and careers in libraries, archives, museums, and related cultural heritage fields.

Two people in a library interact at a desk. The person on the left holds a colorful sheet, smiling, while the person on the right, in a yellow shirt, looks at a laptop. Shelves with books and documents are visible in the background.

Photo by Keely Merritt, HNOC

Expectations

The intern will:

Apply foundational archival methods and research practices through direct engagement with primary-source materials.
Examine the intellectual and ethical considerations that guide archival work, including preservation, representation, access, and responsible interpretation of materials.
Develop an understanding of the role of archives and special collections in preserving, interpreting, and providing access to historical materials.
Strengthen research, analytical, and communication skills through collection-based projects, written documentation, and professional discussions.
Explore pathways for continued study and careers in archives, libraries, museums, and related cultural heritage fields.

Eligibility Requirements

The Archives and Special Collections Practicum accepts applications from undergraduate students who will be academically classified as juniors or seniors at the start of the internship. Recent graduates are also encouraged to apply if they have earned a bachelor’s degree within six months of the internship start date. All applicants must be currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a four-year college or university based in the state of Louisiana.

While students from all academic backgrounds are welcome to apply, we encourage students pursuing studies in the social sciences, humanities, foreign languages, and liberal arts to apply.

Testimonials

“It’s great to be involved in work that is so meaningful. I’ve learned that archives are service-oriented institutions that are public-facing and dedicated to serving their communities. Collections management is dutiful work, and I’m excited to continue pursuing a career in the field. ”

Christian Branch, Louisiana State University, Summer 2025

“There is so much to learn from the staff of the Williams Research Center. If you are eager to learn, they are eager to teach. I am grateful for the opportunity to explore every layer of collections management, learn the nuances of the field, and grow in a welcoming and supportive environment. This was an amazing experience that strengthened my passion for archival work. ”

Erin Lovato, Loyola University New Orleans, Summer 2025

“This internship confirmed that I’m on the right path toward a career in archives. It strengthened my organizational skills and attention to detail while showing me how meaningful archival work can be. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help preserve history and learn from such supportive mentors. This experience deepened my passion for archives and reinforced my career goals. ”

Cary James, Grambling State University, Sumer 2026

“This program allowed me to see myself within the history I was engaged with and helping to preserve. The inclusive and personalized nature of the work gave me the opportunity to explore how I fit into the stories being told through these collections. This experience was truly impactful and deepened my appreciation for the importance of preserving history. ”

Jasmine Christopher, Xavier University of Louisiana, Summer 2024

Opportunities

There are no active listings at this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Archives and Special Collections Practicum is a recurring summer internship program held annually during the months of June and July.

Yes. The Archives and Special Collections Practicum is an on-site internship. Participating interns are expected to report in person to the Historic New Orleans Collection’s French Quarter campus throughout the duration of the program.

The Archives and Special Collections Practicum accepts three interns each summer cohort.

Eligible applicants include undergraduate students who will be classified as juniors or seniors at the time the internship begins, as well as recent graduates who have earned a bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university located in the state of Louisiana.

Yes. Recent graduates who have earned their bachelor's degree within six months prior to the program’s start date are eligible to apply.

No. The Archives and Special Collections Practicum is designed exclusively for undergraduate students and recent bachelor's degree graduates. Graduate students are not eligible for this program.

No. Students from a variety of academic disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Participants in the Archives and Special Collections Practicum are placed within the Williams Research Center.

Yes. Housing accommodations are provided for interns who reside outside of the New Orleans metropolitan area or beyond a reasonable commuting distance. Housing is provided at no cost to the intern.

Yes. The Archives and Special Collections Practicum is a paid internship.

Applications for the next cohort are scheduled to open on February 1, 2027.

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