Summer Fellowship in Library User Experience

Gain experience in user research and design on digital library systems while working to solve a real-world problem. Student fellows will gain experience designing and running a user research project while working closely with experienced library teams.

This 8-week paid opportunity is available to U-M graduate students.

About the fellowship

The Summer Fellowship in Library User Experience matches a graduate student with a challenge users face with one of U-M Library’s systems, such as Library Search, Digital Collections, Finding Aids, and the library website

The fellow will complete an individual research project, culminating in a presentation of research findings and recommendations, along with a brief narrative reflecting on their own learning experience. 

We will select a project to align with the fellow’s areas of interest. Mentors from the UX + Design team in Library Information Technology and other library experts will provide guidance.

  • Pay rate: $22/hour
  • Duration and hours: 28 hours/week for 8 weeks (up to 224 total hours), negotiable start date
  • Location: Ann Arbor Campus, with hybrid or remote work possible

See full details and example projects (Google Document).

Apply for Summer 2025

Submit your resume and a statement of interest in PDF format by Friday, March 28, 2025

In your statement of interest, please include:

  • Your program and graduation date/expected graduation date.
  • Areas of research interest for library systems (see details document for ideas) and a brief explanation of how you might approach a related project.
  • Previous experience with libraries or library systems as a library patron, student at UMSI, or other (optional, but encouraged). 
  • Contact information for three professional or academic references who can talk about your working style (to be contacted only in the final stage after we confirm your interest in accepting an offer).

We will be reviewing applications and scheduling interviews as applications are received. Selection and notification of applicants will be completed by mid-April.

Questions? Contact Robyn Ness at rlness@umich.edu.

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