Researcher/ Librarian
Golden Gate National Parks, Alcatraz Island
Part Time, Spring Semester 2013 (with potential for Summer Extension)
Available only to students currently enrolled at SF State and CCSF
Overview
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is a destination for both local and international
visitors−its most famous site being Alcatraz Island the former Federal Prison. Five thousand visitors
from all around the world visit Alcatraz every day. Alcatraz Island has layers of history—from a military
fort that defended the bay, to the U.S. Army disciplinary barracks where military prisoners made big
rocks into little ones, to the Federal Prison that housed trouble-making prisoners, to being the site of a
Native American occupation starting in 1969, to the National Park site that we are today—hosting an
extensive water bird nesting site and beautiful gardens around the island.
The mission of the Alcatraz staff is to interpret the layers of Alcatraz history and educate park visitors in
these layers. By sharing the layers of history with an increasingly diverse America we build a sense of
ownership, love of history, and caring for this unique place. The Alcatraz staff could not accomplish this
mission without our research library. We are currently seeking student interns whose primary
responsibility would be to maintain and catalog books, research and create site information papers,
modernize the library, use the library of congress system, and assist with special projects as needed.
Position Overview
Do you love to read books or learn from videos? Do you have an interest in maintaining and learning
about Alcatraz history from the library?
We are looking for a librarian and research intern that is excited to work with books, videos, and the
people that lived, worked or were incarcerated on the Rock; also, someone who is interested in
researching the Military history of the island, watching birds, and studying how the gardens thrive on
the island.
The Librarian maintains the Alcatraz research library, creates new files and updates historic video files.
Maintaining this reference library is essential in providing the staff with historic articles that tell the
layered history of Alcatraz Island.
As a librarian and research intern on Alcatraz, you would work with historic books, videos, reference
material, AV equipment, and computers to create documents that can provide staff and/or visitors with
knowledge of Alcatraz. In doing this, you would support the National Park interpretive Rangers and
conservancy working on Alcatraz Island.
Description of Duties




Organize and facilitate research library
o Knowledge of the library of congress system
o Assist interpreters in finding historic facts
o Develop information sheets to assist interpreters in finding historic facts
o Organize all library books, videos and files
Research your own interest and share with staff
Create informational files on the history of the NPS that will be used for the 2016 hundred birthday
celebration of the NPS
Assist with special projects
o
o


Research all layers of history
Create files of special information
Update the AV portion of this library
o Convert tapes to DVD’s
o Make digital copies of title pages of books
o Assist staff with computer updates to files
If time provides, research your favorite parts of Alcatraz history and create an interpretive talk
Benefits
 Gain knowledge of the National Parks service and mission
 Opportunity to learn and enjoy the scenery, wildlife and cultural resources of a spectacular National
Park.
 Opportunities to work with Ranger staff and volunteers from diverse backgrounds that share a
common interest in learning the layer of history.
 Learning about preserving and protecting our natural lands.
 Gain more experience in library skills and research
 Make new friends and learn from the knowledgeable Alcatraz staff
 Opportunity for personal/professional development days to pursue an interest, including training
and education in various departments within the Park Service and Parks Conservancy.
 Fifty Dollar ($50.00) per day stipend available, plus academic credit.
Desired Qualifications









Enthusiasm for library researching and educating others
A love of history and working with others
Interest in learning the stewardship of the National Park Service and Alcatraz
Energetic, flexible, self-motivated, and a sense of humor
Desire to work with a diverse group of people with different backgrounds, ethnicity, races, genders,
sexualities, ages, and viewpoints
Ability to work independently and to learn new skills as needed
Good communication skills; treats others with respect; speaks and writes clearly and effectively
Basic computer literacy, Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience with database operations or
Photoshop/In Design a plus.
Bi-lingual skills are a plus.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment


Must enjoy working inside and can maintain a sense of humor. There will be time to walk around
Alcatraz Island seeing and learning the history.
Ability to lift, books and heavy files
Terms
 Desired Start Date: January 2013
 2 – 3 days per week, January through May. Summer (full time) extension possible.
 Available only to students currently enrolled in SF State and City College of San Francisco
To apply for this position, please send a resume and a thoughtful cover letter to
AcademicIntern@parksconservancy.org. Please indicate the position title in your email subject line. In
the letter, please indicate your preference if applying to more than one internship. No phone calls
please.
The Parks Conservancy and National Park Service are committed to diversity in the workplace.
Minorities and people of color are encouraged to apply.