The Institute of English Studies has a substantial network of colleagues and companies associated with the book trade and the libraries sector. Situated in the centre of London, and at the heart of its academic community, we are able to place students who wish to undertake an internship with an established book firm or special collections library. This is a unique opportunity to discover a thriving side of the book industry dealing with rare books, manuscripts, maps, prints and first editions.
Several of our graduates have gone on to careers in these sectors of the book world – either starting their own business or working for a bookseller or auction house. The book trade/library internship module gives students the opportunity to link their academic study to the world of books outside the university. The module can be taken for credit as one of a student’s option modules, or it can be pursued as an extra-curricular activity.
Participating Firms
Our MA students have the opportunity to intern at the following London firms:
- Ash Rare Books
- Charles Dickens Museum
- Foundling Museum
- Jarndyce Booksellers
- Maggs Brothers Ltd.
- Peter Harrington Rare Books
- Robert Frew Ltd.
- Tindley & Everett
- The Second Shelf
- Leo Cadogan Rare Books
- Bryars and Bryars
Libraries:
- The British Jesuit Archives
- The London Archives
- Senate House Library
- Wellcome Library
- Royal College of Physicians
- Stationers’ Hall
- UCL special collections
You can read more about some of our previous students' experiences over on the Ash Rare Books blog here.
If you have any queries about the Book Trade Internship, please email ies@sas.ac.uk
Please note that the Internship cannot be taken as a stand-alone module, and is only offered to students enrolled on our MA programme.
Apply now online