The DLS creates value through its Internship Programme

In 2022, the Department of Library Services (DLS) hosted twelve interns for an internship programme aimed at exposing them to various aspects of the library and enabling them to form a holistic view of the links between collections and other services in academic libraries. Most interns rotated between units and faculty libraries. Weekly learning events were also hosted on specific topics where they could learn from colleagues who are recognised as specialists in their field.

At the end of their programme each intern submitted a short essay on their experience and the feedback was very positive overall.

Below are some snippets from their essays: 

“Working at the library has been a roller-coaster because we had to learn almost everything that the library does, whereas, I thought the library only deals with giving out books - but to my surprise, it is more than that”

“I think one of the things I appreciated about this internship was rotating between different units within the library because that gave me an overview of how the different units in the library work together to achieve their mission and personally it has given me a chance to see where I can focus my career interests if I am to work in a library”

“My highlights for the internship have to be the weekly learning sessions because that was a place where the library would help us learn about what is happening in the world of libraries and information science, and having to hear it from the people who specialise in this had a positive impact in my life and the decisions I need to make going to the workplace”

“I have had a beautiful experience with the DLS, this programme has helped me to grow not just professionally but also as an individual. I was able to enhance my time management skills as well as my communication skills. I have learned more about the library and the value of the work that is done here. I am grateful for all the training and lessons I got from my supervisors and I am looking forward to applying what I have learned in my next job”

“Working through this internship has been a great experience, I can now combine my graduate skills and various practical skills that I have gained during this time. I believe this work has a close link to my studies and workplace preparation; it has provided an experience of both good things and challenges. I learned a lot, and improved my communication skills, as I worked at the front desk (circulation). I have learned to be mindful, honest, and kind as well as understanding to all student requests so that I create a good library experience for them”

“I have learned to build a strong network, learn more about my field, find career opportunities in my field, and develop contacts that may be useful for certain aspects of my job. I was able to apply my knowledge in the professional world, be able to test this knowledge firsthand as well as the various soft skills I acquired throughout my education. Time management and communication are the most critical skills that I have learned, I will need to be able to make sure that deadlines are met around others' schedules. I will also improve my communication skills in communicating with supervisors, team members, clients, and other employees”

“The DLS internship programme is comprehensive as it not only focuses on work-readiness and technical skills but further equips the intern with career growth opportunities. While learning about the library service offering through this programme, I also had the opportunity to upskill myself through the LinkedIn Learning programme where I obtained various certifications and useful lifelong career skills. Overall, this internship programme has exposed me to the different units that make the library a fully-functioning entity, further demonstrating that everyone’s efforts at the library contribute to the success of students. I am grateful for this opportunity, and hope to continue upskilling myself in this discipline.”

“I can say that my experience in the library was nothing but a blessing in disguise and a wake-up call to accept challenges waiting to be overcome. When I applied for this internship, I was a bit sceptical of the things I was going to learn, until our first tour around the library which is where my excitement started. I have never worked before, so I had no idea how I was going to do certain things and stay in line with what was expected of me, but because of the patience and love the library showed me, I decided to try my best despite the fact I was studying full time. The support I was getting from my colleagues and the bosses made me gain confidence and the strength not just to do my work, but ‘passionately’ help the library provide better services to its clients. Working in the library has not only been a great opportunity to gain experience but has also taught me to connect with different personalities and to pay attention to detail because the library cannot afford to make any mistakes that will jeopardise the student’s reputations.”

The DLS enjoyed hosting all interns and will use their feedback to provide the best learning experience for future interns.

The learning events enabled the interns to learn from specialists in their fields