Student & Academic Services are committed to supporting Queen Mary University of London’s employability agenda and the University’s work in widening participation and raising the educational aspirations of members of the local community. One way this can be achieved is to accommodate requests for work experience and placements within Library Services.
These requests fall into several categories:
Requests from QMUL students and alumni
Library Services advertises shelving and other temporary jobs to current students via QMTemps as it is preferable that students have access to recognisable, paid jobs. However, short term work shadowing may be arranged for a maximum of two weeks. Library Services will provide a training plan that enables the student to experience a range of library work but does not adversely affect the work of the Department.
Requests from school and college students (Y10 – Y13)
Library Services participates in activities to familiarise local school students with University facilities in support of our Educational Liaison and Widening Participation programme.
Requests for short periods of work experience (1-2 weeks) should be agreed with the requesting school, subject to a risk assessment and suitable insurance. Priority will be given to students who attend schools based in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
Requests from QMUL researchers and students to carry out research based in Library Services
These should be discussed with the relevant Library staff and, if appropriate, the research supervisor so that the aims and timescales of the project are clear and the support required can be planned. Work done as part of a research project will not be paid unless the research has been commissioned by Library Services.
Requests from non-QMUL students intending to take a degree in Information & Library Studies
These would only be agreed in exceptional circumstances. Library Services does not offer paid or unpaid graduate trainee places.
Requests from staff from other libraries who wish to widen their experience or professional knowledge
This can be mutually beneficial, and as long as both parties have clear objectives and the needs of the requester can be met without compromising services, placements can be arranged for a maximum of two weeks.
Other requests
Library Services does not offer work experience in any other circumstances. The Department does not employ unpaid volunteers or interns.
How to apply?
Please complete this short application form, including a brief statement of what you are hoping to gain from a work experience placement within Library Services.
Please note that submitting an application does not automatically guarantee you a place and all placements are dependent on staff availability and capacity.
We aim to respond to all applications within three weeks.