Hi Cristina,

I remember encountering similar issues locating opportunities to get experience before I graduated.  My LIS program did offer the opportunity to get credit for an internship but at that time I had to do all the arrangements.  I reached out to the academic library in my town and asked if they would host me for an internship.  It was unpaid but extremely useful.  Since I have graduated, I have learned that there are other opportunities but it can be difficult to find them through formal  channels.  It does depend to some extent on whether you are working somewhere else and will have to work around that schedule and also, whether you have the luxury of arranging an unpaid internship as I did.  I would also take into consideration what you would like to do after you graduate when you check into things.  Archives and museums are often very happy to have volunteer help, we have a public policy institute in our state that recruits interns each year, even school libraries might appreciate help with organizing and planning for the upcoming year.  If you do approach someone that doesn't have an advertised position make it clear that you are looking for both experience and something to put on  your resume/CV.  Be sure and get someone to agree to be your mentor that will serve as a reference when you start applying for permanent jobs.

One of the things that has struck me about librarianship is how very open and flexible the field is.  This makes it somewhat challenging when you are new to the field because there are not a lot of hard "rules" to follow.  But it also allows you to be creative and find a fit for your skills and interests.

Best of luck with your internship and your career!

Kay Bjornen
Research Data Initiative Librarian
Oklahoma State University

-----Original Message-----
From: Code for Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of CHRISTINA GLAVIANO
Sent: Saturday, June 26, 2021 9:00 PM
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Subject: [CODE4LIB] LIS student seeking advice

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Hi All,

I am a graduate student currently enrolled in an LIS program and am looking to gain hands-on experience in the field. I have been searching for potential internships/jobs but am finding the majority of the listings all require to have already obtained the LIS degree (I have applied to some internships). Does anyone have any advice for landing an internship/job? Or any advice for an LIS student?



Thank you,

Christina G.

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