Council for Geoscience Internships 2026: Library and Information Science Opportunities Across South Africa
Apply for the 2026 Council for Geoscience Library Internship. 24-month programme with a R13,000 monthly stipend. Gain experience in digitisation, metadata management, and information resources. Locations: Pretoria, Polokwane, Bellville, Pietermaritzburg, Upington, Gqeberha.
The Council for Geoscience (CGS), South Africa’s premier geoscience research and information institution, is offering a unique opportunity for graduates and young professionals to gain practical experience in library and information management. In 2026, the Council is recruiting 20 Library Interns for a 24-month internship programme, designed to equip participants with hands-on skills in digitisation, metadata management, records organisation, and the preservation of geoscience information resources.
This initiative is part of CGS’s ongoing efforts to modernize its information management practices and enhance digital access to its vast collections. Interns will play a vital role in converting print-based materials into digital formats, ensuring proper metadata capture, and supporting initiatives that allow researchers, students, and the public to access geoscience information more efficiently.
Internship Locations and Stipend
The programme is offered across multiple locations to accommodate the CGS’s regional offices:
- Pretoria: 10 positions
- Polokwane: 2 positions
- Bellville: 2 positions
- Pietermaritzburg: 2 positions
- Upington: 2 positions
- Gqeberha: 2 positions
Interns will receive a monthly stipend of R13,000, providing financial support while they develop their professional skills over the 24-month period. Each intern will report directly to the Manager of Knowledge Management, who will oversee their development and ensure they receive guidance on technical and operational tasks.
Key Responsibilities
Library interns at CGS will be actively involved in several essential areas of information management, including:
- Assisting with the digitisation of library and publication materials, ensuring valuable resources are preserved in digital formats.
- Organising, sorting, and preparing materials for scanning, with careful attention to detail and handling of fragile documents.
- Capturing and verifying metadata according to established standards to ensure digital resources are accurately catalogued.
- Supporting quality control processes, verifying completeness and accuracy of digitised content.
- Assisting with records management, including filing, organising, and maintaining both digital and physical materials.
- Providing general support to library and publication staff as required, ensuring smooth operations within the department.
Through these tasks, interns will gain hands-on exposure to core functions in library science and digital information management, while also contributing to the Council’s broader goals of knowledge preservation and accessibility.
Personal Attributes
The Council seeks interns who demonstrate:
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Good organisational and time-management skills.
- Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and digital platforms.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Sense of responsibility and discretion, particularly when handling confidential or sensitive information.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to meet deadlines without compromising quality.
These attributes ensure that interns not only perform their tasks efficiently but also develop the professional skills needed to thrive in a library or information management career.
Educational Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- A Matric certificate as a minimum requirement.
- A National Diploma in Library and Information Science or Archives and Records Management (or equivalent qualification).
- A Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science, Archives, or Records Management is considered an added advantage.
Additionally, basic understanding of library principles, computer literacy, and familiarity with digitisation processes will strengthen candidates’ applications. Exposure to scanning equipment, digital repositories, or similar tools will also be beneficial.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their applications before 20 March 2026. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Applicants not contacted within eight weeks of the closing date should assume their application was unsuccessful.
Appointments are subject to positive vetting results, and the processing of personal information will comply with the POPI Act 4 of 2013. Applicants must ensure that all required documentation, including educational certificates and proof of qualifications, is complete and submitted correctly.
For enquiries, candidates can contact CGS at [email protected], though applications sent to this address or through social media platforms will not be considered.
Why This Internship Matters
The CGS Library Internship provides a valuable stepping stone for young professionals looking to enter the fields of library science, information management, or archives. Interns will gain practical experience in digitisation, metadata management, quality assurance, and records organisation, making them highly competitive for future roles in both public and private sector information services.
By supporting the preservation and digitisation of South Africa’s geoscience resources, interns contribute to a larger mission: improving accessibility of scientific information for researchers, policy-makers, and the public. This hands-on experience, combined with mentorship from experienced knowledge management professionals, ensures interns leave the programme equipped with both technical skills and practical insights into modern library operations.
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