The C.L.R. James Institute: Internships & Work

The C.L.R. James Institute

Internships and Work

by Jim Murray

The C.L.R. James Institute, located in New York City, is seeking interns. We have a lot to offer, which I will outline here, but what you should keep in mind is that all relationships are negotiated individually, adhering respectfully to the guidelines of the accrediting schools, and not imposing any extra bureaucracy on our end. I direct the internship program, and I intend to do what I have done with all the assistants, paid and unpaid, interns and volunteers, I have worked with for twenty years, which is to concentrate on developing skills and finding ways to humanize the workplace.

This is a non-profit educational organization, but it isn't so big or bureaucratic that we need interns to stand at the Xerox machine all day. On the contrary. The skills one can learn and develop here include most of the skills that office work in several industries entails. Those industries are: the world of professional librarianship, the publishing industry, and the academy. A special feature here is that we work with British and West Indian organizations, as well as American. We are formally affiliated with the African Studies Centre of the University of Cambridge in Britain. Another special feature is that artists and writers and people from all ages and backgrounds pass through the Institute. And, in its more academic aspects, it is noteworthy that a wide range of disciplines are represented, including History, Literature, Criticism, Political Science, Africana Studies, American Studies, and Postcolonial Studies.

People who work here are all encouraged to take initiative, take responsibility, and define the experience for themselves. This means that interns have the opportunity to use the resources here for their own purposes. It also means that the staff is available to discuss all aspects of the work and the work experience here. The Institute is engaged in organizing and making accessible vast quantities and different types of information in all media. Students interested in learning more about social change are especially encouraged to apply. The work involves computers which we provide, and on which we train, but it is not all computer work. The tasks will vary from week to week in the office and occasionally outside, in other libraries. This would be a very good place to improve one's Internet skills. Internships can start anytime during the year. Afternoon, evening and weekend hours can be arranged. Our past experience is that interns have felt welcome socially in the Institute community, and there are opportunities to move into paid work here.

We are very proud of the Institute's excellent track record in helping young people open doors down the road. I make a point of writing thoughtful, specific, and effective letters of recommendation. The Institute has long been known as a useful networking environment.

We would be happy to answer any questions and supply further information. Please don't hesitate to contact us even if you are only in the early stages of your process. Telephone or email is fine. Please contact Jim Murray.

Jim Murray, Director
Ralph Dumain, Librarian/Archivist & Webmaster

Uploaded 30 April 2001