As a veteran of four internships (HM Tower of London, National Museum of Natural History, IMS and the National Park Service) I've had experience doing both the "dirty work" and higher level work. I think interns have to be careful when selecting an internship site and supervisor. Also, it is important to make sure that internships projects are clearly spelled out before the internship begins. Generally I didn't mind doing some "dirty work" since that is a part of life for all staff. At the same time I didn't appreciate if I felt I was being abused, especially when the institutions were oftentimes receiving money from me! Overall my internship experiences were positive ones. In fact my first internship as an undergraduate in the armour department of HM Tower of London, where I did both "dirty work" and higher level projects, was such an outstanding experience that it had a direct influence on me choosing to pursue my MA in Museum Studies. Laura Mahoney Office of Sponsored Projects Smithsonian Institution >>> "A. Nichelson" <[log in to unmask]> 04/08/97 11:12pm >>> I am wondering about people's opinions of interns who come to museums for summer experience or more lengthy experience. Do you feel that the work done by interns is more often the "dirty work" or do your museums truly offer staff level experience? If the "dirty work" IS in fact being saved for interns, then how can we expect to increase interest in museum work? Shouldn't their experiences be similar to what they might encounter as a museum professional? Former or current interns AND musuem professionals please reply.