Student/Intern Junior Fellows Program
- Hosting Service Unit: All Library of Congress
- Program Contact: juniorfellows@loc.gov
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen
- Application Period: Annually
- Application Notes: The open application period for JFP 2025 is closed. Applications for JFP 2026 are expected to open in late October 2025.
- Compensation: These internships are full-time, temporary staff positions at the GS-03/step 1 level. Rates are subject to variations based on federal cost of living. adjustments and differences in locality pay area rates for the current year.
- Academic Credit: The Library does not provide academic credit, but you may arrange with your school in advance to receive credit.
- Available Benefits: Onsite interns are eligible for transit benefits.
- Program Duration: Short-term. Full Time. 10-week summer internship appointment. Program dates: May 18, 2026 to July 24, 2026.
- Qualifications: Must be currently enrolled at time of application at the undergraduate or graduate level, AND/OR have graduated or will graduate between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025.
Program Overview
The Library of Congress Junior Fellows Program (JFP) is a paid, 10-week annual summer internship program that enables undergraduate, graduate students, and recent graduates to gain career experience by working with analog and digital collections and supporting the services of the world's largest library.
Working with curators and specialists in various divisions, Junior Fellows explore collections, resources, and initiatives and produce products that position the Library of Congress as a dynamic center for fostering innovation, sparking creativity, and building lifelong connections.
With guidance from project mentors, Junior Fellows are exposed to a broad spectrum of library work, including: reference, access, public programming, copyright, preservation, and information technology.
JFP projects increase access to Library of Congress collections and promote awareness of the Library's resources to Congress and people in communities across America. In the past, Junior Fellows have identified and interpreted hundreds of historical, literary, artistic, cinematic and musical gems representing the Library’s rich cultural, creative and intellectual assets.
No previous experience is necessary, but internships are competitive and special skills or knowledge are usually desired.
Program Focus
The focus of the JFP is to increase access to Library collections and to promote awareness and appreciation of the Library's services to Congressional members, scholars, students, teachers, and the general public. Junior Fellows encourage the use of collections and services − ensuring that the Library of Congress is known as a living, dynamic center for scholarly work and meaningful connections.
Program participants inventory, catalog, arrange, preserve, and research collections in varied formats, as well as assist in digital and analog library initiatives. Upon completion of their assignments, Junior Fellows work closely with Library curators and specialists to plan and present a display of their most significant discoveries and accomplishments.
Learn more about the JFP experience by viewing interns’ Display Day portfolios:
Library of Congress Junior Fellows Display Day Overview
The Junior Fellows Program, a signature initiative of the Library of Congress since 1991, is made possible by gifts from the late James Madison Council member Nancy Glanville Jewell through the Glanville Family Foundation and the Knowledge Navigators Trust Fund.