LIVE from the NYPL Internship Program
LIVE from the NYPL is The New York Public Library’s premiere event series, hosted by Paul Holdengräber since 2004. During its Spring and Fall seasons, LIVE from the NYPL presents bold and unique programs fueled by cultural urgency, showcasing the literary icons, best-selling authors, groundbreaking artists, creative filmmakers, notable historians, influential leaders and tastemakers who are shaping the world today. Like the robust selection of free programs offered year-round throughout the institution’s locations, LIVE from the NYPL embodies The New York Public Library’s mission to provide education and information for the people of New York and beyond.
Past guests at LIVE from the NYPL include: Margaret Atwood, David Byrne, Don DeLillo, Joan Didion, Umberto Eco, Jeffrey Eugenides, Shepard Fairey, Jonathan Franzen, Frank Gehry, Gilberto Gil, Elizabeth Gilbert, Newt Gingrich, Werner Herzog, Jay-Z, Miranda July, Barbara Kingsolver, Fran Lebowitz, Spike Lee, Jonathan Letham, Toni Morrison, Siddhartha Mukherjee, Haruki Murakami, Lou Reed, Keith Richards, Salman Rushdie, Oliver Sacks, Al Sharpton, Russell Simmons, Zadie Smith, Patti Smith, Pete Townshend, Derek Walcott, John Waters, Robert Wilson, and Slavoj Zizek.
LIVE from the NYPL offers a variety of internship positions for its Spring and Fall seasons. Internships require a 20 hour per week commitment; however, the hours are flexible. On your application, please specify your desired starting date.
LIVE from the NYPL internships are a great way to get an inside look at what goes on behind the scenes of public programming, and is ideal for anyone interested in arts and culture or learning about event planning and public relations. The internship positions we seek to fill are:
- Production Intern (1)
- Social Media, PR and Marketing Intern (1)
- Multimedia Intern (2)
LIVE internships last between three and four months, allowing interns the opportunity to take part in the production of a full season of programming. The daily responsibilities of LIVE interns include, but are not limited to, managing our website ( www.nypl.org/LIVE ), responding to phone and e-mail inquiries, managing our social networking sites and general office duties to help keep our office organized. Leading up to and throughout the duration of the season, interns will be required to assist with all aspects of production, from venue set-up to organizing the guest list to greeting the talent and. Interns are required to work late nights on event days (15-20 per season).
At this time, LIVE from the NYPL internships are unpaid internships. College applicants are encouraged to arrange college credit through their registrar’s office so they can receive credit for their internships.
To Apply
Send a cover letter, résumé, and short writing sample if applicable to Aisha Ahmad-Post at live@nypl.org stating your interest in LIVE from the NYPL and which internship position you are applying for.
All Applicants: Proficiency working with both PC and Mac computers and associated programs is required. Applicants should also possess competent research, social media and networking skills, and be able to work well with others and individually.
The Production Intern will help LIVE run on a day-to-day basis. The position includes requesting materials from publishers, proof-reading copy, compiling box office ticket sales reports for past events, and providing additional support to the LIVE staff. Intern will also assist the LIVE Producer in budgeting and planning events and projects, and will interact with various staff levels and departments within The Library, including Communications and Development.
The Social Media, Marketing and Outreach Intern will assist with the upkeep of our official NYPL webpage, and maintain our presence on multiple social media networks (Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter). This internship has a strong research component. We are seeking someone who will be interested not only in outreach, but in data collection and audience development. Intern will have access to courses and groups dedicated to social media at the library and will collaborate with LIVE to seek new and exciting ways to reach new audiences.
Multimedia Intern: The LIVE Multimedia intern assists with production set-up, as well as the filming and editing of event footage with our videographer. This intern will handle managing the audio from each event, delivering hard drives, and maintaining audio and video uploads to various websites. The intern will also assist with archiving our large collection of full-length videos, clips, audio, and transcripts from each event.
Multimedia intern applicants should have a background in Film or Media Studies; proficiency in Final Cut Pro; ability to take notes (highlights) that include timecode during the events; and technical knowledge of and ability to operate a camera. Applicants must be available for all events (see schedule at www.nypl.org/live ).
The New York Public Library