During the Fall 2024 term, Amanda Hukee ’25 ,completed an internship in the Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library. Dan Mollner, her faculty sponsor, interviewed her about the experience.
Could you say a few words about your internship at the Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library? What were your goals for the experience? What did your daily routine look like?
The internship aimed to gain a deeper understanding of librarianship and explore career paths. Activities included meeting with library faculty and staff to discuss their careers and advice, working on informational literacy projects, and collaborating on archival work. The experience included archiving campus election activities, digitizing feminist publications like “Heterodoxy,” and supporting students through research guidance. The daily routine was dynamic and involved a mix of collaborative work, hands-on projects, and reflective learning.
How did this internship shape or change your view of the library and librarianship?
The experience revealed that librarianship is much more vibrant and multifaceted than I initially perceived. It highlighted the library as a teaching institution focused on fostering critical thinking and supporting diverse learning needs. The proactive engagement of librarians demonstrated their role as educators and advocates for inclusivity. In particular, the archival work illuminated the intersection of history and activism, aligning with my personal passions!
If you could tell other students one thing that they might not know about the library, archives or librarianship more broadly, what would it be?
Librarianship is not a static profession but a dynamic, evolving field that goes beyond cataloging. It encompasses education, community engagement, advocacy, and technology. For example, the digitization of archival materials plays a crucial role in preserving marginalized histories and making them accessible. Librarians are integral to student success, and their work fosters a welcoming and resourceful environment for all patrons!