About World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations. Founded in 1961, WWF works in more than 100 countries to help people and nature thrive.
The organization partners with communities, businesses, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve critical habitats, address climate change, and develop sustainable solutions.
WWF is guided by the values of Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration.
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Role Overview
WWF is seeking a graduate-level Library Science Intern to support the development of its new WWF Legacy Library in Washington, D.C.
Job Title: WWF Legacy Library Intern
Organization: World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Work Arrangement: Hybrid – Minimum 2 days per week in the office
Employment Type: Internship
Compensation: USD $23 per hour
The intern will help design a cataloging and classification system and begin organizing books, reports, flyers, brochures, periodicals, and archival materials documenting WWF’s organizational history.
Working within the Facilities unit and alongside the Legacy Library Committee, the intern will apply library science principles and modern cataloging practices to create an accessible and well-organized library that preserves WWF’s history.
Key Responsibilities
Library Classification & Cataloging
- Work with the Legacy Library Committee to design and develop a classification system.
- Organize books, periodicals, internal documents, and other historical materials.
- Prepare a final guidance document explaining the classification system.
- Develop clear and user-friendly instructions for staff volunteers responsible for maintaining the library.
- Present the proposed classification system to the Legacy Library Committee and WWF leadership for approval.
Library Organization
- Design and implement procedures for processing library holdings once the classification system is approved.
- Organize materials that are currently stored in both shelves and boxes.
- Coordinate with volunteers assisting with library organization.
- Apply library science principles to improve accessibility and usability of the collection.
Library Management
- Develop recommendations for future library acquisitions.
- Recommend procedures for library management and lending.
- Prepare a final internship report covering proposed acquisition, management, and lending procedures.
Learning Outcomes
The intern will gain practical experience in:
- Assessing and organizing library materials.
- Making descriptive and cataloging decisions.
- Efficiently organizing library spaces.
- Applying library science principles in a nonprofit environment.
- Developing classification and cataloging systems.
- Creating library management procedures.
- Preserving and presenting organizational history.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an American Library Association-accredited Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program.
- Have an interest in wildlife conservation, earth sciences, or a related field.
- Be able to apply library science principles and current cataloging practices.
- Demonstrate strong organizational skills.
- Have excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Be able to manage time and remain organized.
- Be self-motivated and capable of working independently and collaboratively.
WWF Core Values
Candidates should identify with WWF’s core values:
Courage
Speak up when necessary, including when an opinion may be difficult or unpopular.
Integrity
Build trust by acting honestly, taking responsibility for mistakes, and remaining accountable.
Respect
Welcome different perspectives and ideas with curiosity, kindness, and openness.
Collaboration
Promote cooperation and effective working relationships across teams and individuals.
Additional Information
Applicants must submit:
- Resume
- Cover letter
Due to the volume of applications, WWF cannot respond to phone inquiries. Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
Work Authorization & Visa Requirements
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. WWF does not provide visa sponsorship to interns.
All individuals hired must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
World Wildlife Fund promotes equal employment opportunities for qualified individuals regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter through the WWF careers application system.
Applicants should ensure they meet the U.S. work authorization requirements before applying.
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