Library and Research Intern (Graduate Student)

Overview

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin.

AARP's Policy, Research and International Affairs leads the development and communication of AARP's public policies and, research and insights on the issues that matter to people 50-plus.

The AARP Library & Strategic Services team seeks a master's-level graduate student who is pursuing a master's in library science, to intern with our dynamic group focused on research, insights, synthesis, innovation, personal growth, and emerging technologies. This internship provides hands-on opportunities to conduct, interpret, and synthesize secondary research using licensed databases and internal research and is best suited for a student pursuing a career in reference services. You'll also gain practical experience designing and building SharePoint web pages and build valuable technical services skills.


Throughout the internship, we will challenge you to think creatively and work innovatively on real-world projects. By the end of the experience, you will have developed a strong foundation that prepares you for a range of career paths within the library and information field. AARP is committed to your growth and to cultivating your continued learning and professional development. This paid internship is anticipated to begin in Summer 2026 and continue through the end of the year, with a possible extension into 2027. Finalist must be available to work from AARP's Headquarters in Washington, DC. Local candidates are preferred.


Responsibilities

• Synthesize research findings from AARP's collection of resources, including primary and secondary research, surveys, consumer and market research databases, academic journals, etc
• Analyze and write up findings and insights; apply innovative thinking and problem-solving; utilize approved AI research tools
• Conduct literature reviews and market scans for stakeholders throughout the association, and perform company due diligence and people vetting
• Support technical services activities, including collection development, database management, building web pages, promoting library events, and programming via internal channels
• Proactively distribute research from a collection of resources to internal stakeholders, including contributing relevant research to issue area newsletters enterprise-wide
• Provide face-to-face interactions at the Library's Reference Desk and monitor and provide timely responses via the library's internal communication channels to help manage project intake
• Manage several projects simultaneously and answer ad-hoc research requests as assigned; assist in managing special projects and marketing internal library events
• Explore and demonstrate emerging technologies in the AARP Library collection, such as virtual reality (VR) technology, and AI capabilities within research and knowledge management tools

Qualifications

• Prospective intern must be enrolled in a Master's-level program in Library and Information Science college or university in the DC, Maryland or Virginia area, and remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
• Availability to work on-site at the National Office located in downtown Washington, DC is required. Local students are preferred. (We observe Monday and Friday as teleworking days, with Tuesday-Thursday in the office)
• Experience with research databases (eg, ProQuest, Westlaw, EBSCOhost, LexisNexis)
• Excellent written, oral communication, and critical thinking skills, and the ability to synthesize research findings
• Ability to identify, analyze, and creatively solve problems, with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a curiosity to learn more about reference services
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of the team
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and shift priorities as directed
• A strong commitment to providing outstanding customer service
• Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Program Details:

• Start: Summer 2026
• End: Through December 2026 (with potential extension into 2027)
• Location: AARP Headquarters, Washington, DC (onsite)
• Eligibility: Master's-level Library Science students
• Note: Local candidates are preferred

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

Hybrid Work Environment

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly range is $18 for undergraduates, $21 for graduate students, and $28 for Ph.D. candidates. Internships are non-exempt positions and are not eligible for employee benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.