The document summarizes the author's learning experience from an internship at an academic library. The internship allowed the author to apply skills learned in coursework and gain experience in activities like outreach, cataloging, and creating information literacy tutorials. While the internship focused more on some areas than others, like reference which was limited due to summer break, the author found the experience incredibly valuable overall for understanding library operations. The author also learned the importance of being thorough, not rushing projects, and asking for help from supervisors.

1. Laura Levy
LIS 60092
August 2019
Assessment of Learning Experience
During my internship experience I learned a lot of new skills and was
able to put my coursework into practice. I was able to work with the
reference librarian regarding outreach materials, and I participated in
cataloging as well. I feel like I needed more time working in cataloging, since
it is an incredibly in-depth skill, but my internship wasn’t focused on that
specific skill, so I feel like it was adequate. I didn’t get to help with reference
requests during the internship since the students were on summer break,
and there really weren’t any to be completed. I feel like my internship was
incredibly valuable, as it allowed me to put theory into practice and get a
realistic view of how academic libraries function on a daily basis.
I was able to connect a wide variety of my courses to this internship
experience. My Special Library course helped me to connect with the
embedded librarian aspects of the reference librarian at NEOMED. In
addition to serving the med student population, the reference librarian also
works with research faculty, academic services, and other parts of the
NEOMED campus. I was able to apply theories learned in the Information
Literacy course when I was tasked with creating tutorials for incoming
medical students. Foundational coursework helped me to establish a
standard to which I could hold myself for the work I was completing during
my internship.
During my internship I learned that things take longer than I
anticipated that they would. I thought I would be finished with a certain
project very quickly, but in reality it took time to make it thorough and
correct. I was surprised that taking my time was okay with everyone that I
worked with. I’m used to high pressure deadlines and in this case, they
valued quality over quickness. I appreciated the chance to complete tasks
with minimal guidance, and I expected the internship to be more hands-on
from the on-site supervisor, but he trusted that I would ask if I needed help. I
also learned that I am excited to be looking for jobs, since it felt amazing to be
part of a team and work for goals that have a real impact on the library
community that I was part of.

2. If I could recommend anything to future NEOMED library interns, it
would be to be proactive. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t hesitate
to try something new. There are so many facets to this library space that it’s
overwhelming at first, but the staff there is so incredibly welcoming. Build
relationships, and look for opportunities to help the library grow!