Ask a Librarian Apprenticeship (Virtual)
Apprenticeship Announcement
University of Colorado (CU) Boulder Libraries
Ask A Librarian Apprenticeship (Virtual)
Approximately 12 hrs/week throughout Spring 2026 – Spring 2027 academic year, $21–$22/hr
Description:
Gain practical professional experience in a robust academic library. The CU Boulder University Libraries is looking to hire one Ask A Librarian Apprentice who will receive training in research competencies, staff the Ask A Librarian virtual chat service two evenings from 5–8pm MT (Monday–Thursday) and one weekend day from 1–5pm MT each week (Saturday or Sunday), participate in special projects based on professional interests under the mentorship of a faculty librarian, and explore issues relevant to new academic librarians through professional development opportunities. The successful candidates will provide virtual research assistance in a major academic library that serves a world-class research university. This position is a great opportunity to supplement your graduate studies with experiential learning and explore the field of academic librarianship.
Responsibilities:
- Provide virtual research assistance through our Ask Us! chat service
- Attend trainings, workshops, and meetings on a virtual meeting platform
- Participate in special projects based on professional interests and availability, under the mentorship of the Ask A Librarian Apprenticeship supervisor
- Explore other internal and external opportunities for professional development, including research, writing, publishing, and presentations, based on interest and availability
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled as a library & information science graduate student for the duration of the apprenticeship (Spring 2026 – Spring 2027).
- Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States at time of hire.
- Maintain a strong customer service orientation and a desire to provide high quality research assistance.
- Demonstrate interest in the principles of equity, inclusion, accessibility, and social justice, and how these relate to the mission and values of CU Boulder’s University Libraries.
- Interest in exploring a career in academic librarianship.
Additional Information:
The University Libraries encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the role and that person may be one who comes from a less traditional background. As you review the qualifications, please think about how your qualifications are transferable if (at first) they do not seem directly related. Share how your skills translate in your cover letter. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet every preferred qualification.
This program begins with training and staffing virtual reference shifts with experienced colleagues which can occur around your schedule in November 2026. The Ask a Librarian Apprentice is expected to complete approximately 12 hours of work per week, including virtual reference shifts on nights and weekends (schedule to be finalized at point of hire), project work, and professional development. The Apprentice will be paid $21-$22/hr and will work through the Spring 2027 semester with the possibility of extending the apprenticeship into the 2027-2028 academic year based on the successful candidates’ graduation date. For full consideration, please apply by Tuesday, October 20, 2026. A course schedule providing proof of enrollment in a library science graduate program is required at the time of hire.
To apply, please submit the following documents:
- Cover Letter, including anticipated graduation date
- Resume or CV
Send application materials with “Ask A Librarian Apprenticeship Application” in the subject line to Adrienne.VandenBosch@colorado.edu