City of Johannesburg Library and Information Services Internship 2026
Closing Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
Location: Various Regions, City of Johannesburg
Salary: R10,109.86 per month (basic salary, no benefits) for applicants with a completed qualification carrying a minimum of 360 credits
Position: Internship: Library and Information Services
Department: Community Development
Branch: Library and Information Services
Duration: Not exceeding 18 months
City of Johannesburg Library and Information Services Internship 2026
The City of Johannesburg Library and Information Services Internship 2026 is an opportunity for qualifying youth in the Johannesburg community who are looking to gain practical workplace experience in the library and information services environment.
The internship is offered by the City of Johannesburg’s Community Development Department, within the Library and Information Services Branch. The programme is intended to provide work-based exposure to students and young people who need experiential training as part of their academic or professional development. According to the official vacancy circular, the internship is available for a period not exceeding 18 months and is specifically open to qualifying youth in the Johannesburg community who have not previously participated in an internship programme.
Job Overview
The Internship: Library and Information Services position involves assisting librarians with the delivery of direct library and information services to members of the public.
The successful intern will also gain exposure to the administrative and operational side of running a library. This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to graduates and students who have studied library and information-related disciplines, records management, archives, information technology, or information and knowledge management. The City of Johannesburg states that its internship programme is designed to address the need for students to obtain on-the-job exposure, whether as a prerequisite for an academic qualification or as experiential training after completing a qualification.
Internship Duties and Responsibilities
The intern will assist the Senior Librarian or Librarian with the day-to-day provision of library and information services. Key responsibilities and learning activities include:
- Assisting with daily administrative activities within the library.
- Supporting the daily operational tasks of the library.
- Assisting with the delivery of library and information services to the public.
- Providing support to library staff where required.
- Gaining practical exposure to library administration and operations.
- Applying computer and information-related skills in a working environment.
- Supporting activities associated with information management and digitalisation.
The position provides practical workplace exposure rather than being limited to classroom-based learning.
Requirements for the City of Johannesburg Internship
Applicants should carefully check the requirements before submitting an application. The official vacancy circular lists the following minimum requirements:
- Grade 12 or NQF Level 4.
- A tertiary qualification in one of the relevant fields:
- Library and Information qualification
- Records Management and Archives
- Information Technology
- Information and Knowledge Management
- Computer literacy.
- Applicants must not have previously participated in the internship programme.
- Applicants must be able to work 40 hours per week, including weekends.
- The opportunity is open to youth in the Johannesburg community.
- Only City of Johannesburg residents will be considered.
Applicants should therefore make sure that their qualifications and residential status meet the requirements before applying.
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is particularly suited to young people in Johannesburg who have completed, or are pursuing the relevant tertiary qualification and need practical experience. It may be worth considering for graduates who have struggled to find an entry-level opportunity because the programme provides exposure to an actual municipal working environment. However, previous participation in the programme will result in an applicant not being considered. The vacancy is also specifically limited to youth in the Johannesburg community, with only City of Johannesburg residents being considered.
Skills and Competencies
The City of Johannesburg identifies several competencies that are important for this internship.
Computer Skills
Computer literacy is a stated minimum requirement. Interns will work in an environment where technology and information management form an important part of library operations.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
The role involves assisting with services provided directly to members of the public. Good communication and interpersonal skills can therefore help an intern interact professionally with library users and colleagues.
Literacy and Numeracy
The vacancy requires the appropriate standard of literacy and numeracy, together with general knowledge and computer literacy.
Knowledge Management and Digitalisation
The circular also identifies knowledge management and Information Technology (digitalisation) as core competencies. These areas are increasingly relevant as libraries expand beyond traditional book-lending services into digital information and learning support.
What Can Interns Gain From This Opportunity?
The internship can provide useful exposure to the practical side of library and information services.
The City of Johannesburg’s Library and Information Services Directorate describes its libraries as centres supporting education, lifelong learning and intellectual development. Its services include access to information resources, literacy programmes, reading development, digital literacy and electronic information services.
For a young graduate, exposure to this environment can help build workplace experience while developing practical administrative, communication, information management and technology-related skills.
Important Application Information
Applications for this internship must be submitted online. The City of Johannesburg specifically states that only online applications will be considered. Applicants are required to complete the online job application and attach the relevant documentation, including:
- Certified qualification/s
- Identity document
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
Applicants are advised to use Google Chrome when applying for City of Johannesburg positions. The advertisement also makes it clear that the listed contact email address is for enquiries only. Applications, CVs, qualifications or supporting documents sent by email will not be accepted or considered.
Application Deadline
The closing date for the City of Johannesburg Library and Information Services Internship is Thursday, 15 October 2026. Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day to submit their applications. It is advisable to complete the application early, check that the required documents are attached and ensure that all information entered on the application form is accurate. The City of Johannesburg states that applicants who do not receive notification of appointment or a response within six weeks of the closing date should accept that their application was unsuccessful.
About the City of Johannesburg
The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality provides municipal services and programmes to communities across Johannesburg. Its Library and Information Services Directorate forms part of the City’s Community Development function.
The City’s public libraries serve as hubs for education and provide residents with access to books, magazines, audio-visual material and information resources. Library services also include literacy activities, storytelling, classroom support, lectures, exhibitions and community programmes.
The Library and Information Services Directorate also supports digital literacy and access to electronic information. The City describes its eLearning services as providing access to computers, internet resources, digital literacy activities and electronic learning materials through selected libraries. This makes the internship relevant to young people interested in the intersection of libraries, information management, technology, education and community development.
How to Apply
Eligible applicants should submit their applications online before the 15 October 2026 deadline. Applicants should make sure that the required CV, certified qualifications and ID are ready before starting the online application. Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. The official vacancy circular directs applicants to use the online application link provided for the position.
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