Experiential learning is a central component of all courses and programmes in the Department of Library and Information Studies. Students are required to gain experience by working as an intern in an institutional context of their choice. In this series, “What I Did Last Summer“, students and graduates share their internship experiences.

Hi!! My name is: Kecha Delusma-Chase a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Librarianship, and this is what I did last summer!

In Summer 2023, I had the opportunity of joining the University of the West Indies, Mona Libraries as an intern having travel from the Turks and Caicos Islands. Upon receiving the acceptance letter, I was elated but a bit terrified because I have never worked in any other library besides the local library in Turks and I knew a lot would be expected of me at UWI. Not to mention that it was my first time in Jamaica so I didn’t know what to expect from this entire transition into a new environment for two months.

During my six weeks tenure as an intern, I was granted the opportunity of visiting all branches including the Western Jamaica Campus located in Montego Bay. I spent my days shadowing and learning all the technical parts of an academic library while connecting the dots to the theoretical practices learnt during my studies. As a quick learner, I was allowed to operate their integrated system by assisting students to check in/out books, and other materials, and provided assistance in the reference area to those in need.

Over at the Bindery, I was taught how to preserve valuable materials by giving them a longer shelf life; in that very same process, signature sewing was done to booklets and pamphlets for preservation purposes. Although we learned all the basics during our studies, witnessing it was impressive; seeing how the catalogue section actually functions, the preservation and conservation section working their miracles on dilapidated materials, the tons of valuable materials housed. These are the many things one does not get to see in any library, and I am forever grateful for the experience.

My greatest takeaway from the internship is to appreciate your library collection, not visualizing it as just books and other materials but as a collection of knowledge waiting to be poured into someone. Knowledge is power, and we as library professionals hold that power for minds to absorb; with our help, knowledge is applied. This experience has taught me the importance of teaching our patrons, especially the young, about the world around us, near or far. My journey as an intern has also boosted my professional network which has been very helpful in my career advancement.

In closing, for any person who is desirous in enrolling in the programme of Librarianship, go for it. It’s okay if you’re having doubts, I had my share of doubts and overcame them with the help of many supportive lectures along the way and here I am, 5 years later holding a bachelor’s degree in Librarianship with Second Class Honours as a full-time employee, mother, wife and student; if I conquered it, you can too.

So what are your summer plans? Did your summer activities lead to a career?

Choose any of our Bachelor of Arts (BA) programmes in Librarianship, Information Studies and Computer Science OR the Master of Arts (MA) in Archives and Records Management, or Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) offered in the Department of Library and Information Studies.