Digital Archives Internship

The New Jersey State Library, affiliated with Thomas Edison State University, connects people with information and resources through its service to NJ libraries, the state legislature and government employees, Thomas Edison State University staff and students, and registered borrowers. Thomas Edison State University provides distinctive undergraduate and graduate education for self-directed adults through flexible, high-quality, collegiate learning and assessment opportunities. One of New Jersey’s senior public institutions of higher education, the University offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 100 areas of study. At Thomas Edison State University and the New Jersey State Library we embrace a diverse and dynamic workforce that drives innovation, learner success and organizational growth. We welcome you to apply to be a part of our team.

Summary:

Thomas Edison State University’s affiliate, the New Jersey State Library (located at 185 W. State St. in Trenton), is a premier research institution for exploring and understanding New Jersey’s history; it provides services for New Jersey libraries, the state legislature and government employees, along with TESU staff and students, and registered borrowers. Founded in 1796, the Library has developed extensive collections of primary sources for the government and people of the State. In its modern era, the Library has committed to removing access barriers by digitizing these collections and making them freely accessible to all. The Library encourages researchers to explore the collections and uncover topics of personal and historical significance.

This 15-20 hour per week ($20 per hour), 10-week hybrid internship will combine hands-on work with 18th century documents and remote work with digital collections. Supervised by New Jersey Documents and Digital Collections Librarian, the intern will conduct in-depth historical research using the Revolution-era newspaper of record, The New Jersey Gazette, to chronicle references to enslaved people and their enslavers. This valuable work will bring light to New Jersey’s dark past regarding slavery and will also serve as a valuable genealogical resource of New Jersey’s first citizens. The information gathered by the intern will be made freely accessible to the public via the New Jersey State Library website.

By the end of the internship, the intern will have met the following learning objectives:

• Receive an introduction to history as a scholarly discipline and profession
• Make an advanced exploration into a specific historical topic that nurtures an interest in history and prepares them for a more in-depth and comprehensive study of the past
• Have an opportunity to work with primary sources in print and digital formats
• Develop written communication skills in the discipline, including proper citation

Responsibilities, duties, and projects:

• Review all articles in the New Jersey Gazette (1779-1786)
• Identify all references to enslaved people and/or enslavers
• Develop a comprehensive spreadsheet with data related to the enslaved persons
• Create a comprehensive bibliography and reference guide to the identified content

Desired Major(s): Social Sciences

Student Eligibility:

• Current NJ undergraduate student
• Current NJ graduate student
• Recent NJ college graduate: must have graduated less than one year prior to start of the internship experience (May 2025-May 2026 graduates)
• A current undergraduate student who is a permanent NJ resident

How to apply:

• Applications will only be accepted online at https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=089b582f-0a35-44db-98f2-170a98083ab9&ccId=19000101_000001&type=MP&lang=en_US.
• Students should submit a resume, cover letter, and transcript.
• TESU will process a background screening before hire.
• Students that have questions about the process can email hr@tesu.edu.