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Community Research Platform

HPL Winter 2024 Internship

Community-Engaged Research (CER) Graduate Student Internship Program

The Community-Engaged Research (CER) Graduate Student Internship Program, facilitated through the Faculty of Social Sciences’ Community Research Platform (CRP), provides opportunities for MA and PhD Social Sciences students to work with CRP partner organizations on research projects that support organizational needs and priorities and have tangible benefits for communities.

Job Description

The Hamilton Public Library (HPL) is seeking a graduate student intern to help develop guidelines and frameworks for advancing HPL’s capacity to engage in, collaborate on and use research to meet its organizational needs and the needs of its members. The intern will also act as a research resource to HPL staff and support a variety of ongoing research activities underway between the library and McMaster’s Community Research Platform. Key tasks include (but are not limited to):

In consultation with HPL staff and with CRP staff support:

    1. Develop a process for addressing/responding to research requests that ensures alignment with HPL research goals and priorities.
    2. Develop guidelines for researchers who wish to do research with HPL (i.e. process, expectations, etc.).
    3. Develop a process for library staff to express research interest/submit research requests (e.g. supporting use of the research tool kit).
    4. Update and maintain HPL’s Research Page including:
      – Develop process to automate entries for HPL Research Page.
      – Project summaries.
      – Opportunities for involvement in research.
      – Links to relevant research findings.
    5. Develop news posts regarding collaborative research projects and activities between HPL and CRP to be posted on CRP webpage and/or HPL webpage.
    6. Explore opportunities for sharing research findings more effectively with HPL staff and members.
    7. Present findings and new process to senior leadership and management teams in coordination with HPL staff.

Required Skills & Experience

  • Familiarity with public libraries and the services they provide.
  • Experience developing research, program or policy guidelines and frameworks a strong
    asset.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Strong qualitative research skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others.
  • Superior writing and communication skills.
  • Efficient computer capabilities including Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Demonstrated interest in community engaged research.

Duration of Internship

7 hrs per week for 21 weeks (with potential for extension). Beginning January 2025 (exact start date TBD).

Value of Award

$6,000

Application Deadline

November 25, 2024

Eligibility

  • Be registered as a student in the Faculty of Social Sciences (in exceptional circumstances, students in other Faculties may be eligible).
  • Be in good academic standing, and good financial standing, with the university.
  • Meet the position specific skills and experience requirements outlined in posting.

To Apply

Please ensure that you have discussed your interest in this opportunity with your supervisor. As part of your application process, we require an email from your supervisor confirming that they support your application.

If your supervisor has any questions about the graduate internship program, please encourage them to reach out to the Community Research Platform Program Manager, Leora Sas van der Linden.

Please email applications to sasvandl@mcmaster.ca. Ensure the subject line includes the internship posting title “HPL Grad Internship” and attach a resume and cover letter as one PDF.

In the body of the email, include the following:
• First and Last Name
• McMaster Email Address
• MacID
• Student Status (MA or PhD)
• Department/Program

The Cover Letter (1-2 pages) should describe how your academic, work and volunteer experiences prepare you for the internship position. Please include any relevant research experience, highlight knowledge/experience related to working in the community or with a community partner and highlight other relevant experience as it pertains to the community organization and/or to the specific job posting.

Please also confirm that you are in good academic standing and financial standing with the university.

For more information about the CRP’s CER Grad internship program visit the CRP’s Opportunities page or contact CRP Program Manager: Leora Sas van der Linden.