UVA Library high school interns, Week 3, 2017

WEEK 3

UVA Library high school interns 2017

Posted July 6, 2017

What is the most interesting job you have learned about in the library so far and why?

When I first heard the phrase “Special Collections,” I didn’t even know what it was. I didn’t have an inkling of what it could be. The phrase sounds abstract and vague, which is ironic given that working in Special Collections is likely one of the most exciting jobs in the library. To understand it, first dispel all knowledge you currently have of libraries – any impressions, prior experience, or work in what most people think of as a “library” won’t prepare you for Special Collections. Next, think about materials – materials of all kinds. Old documents, physical objects, and books fall into this category. Think of archaeology, not English. Think of a Smithsonian museum, not shelves of books. That is Special Collections.

From my first impression, Special Collections holds lots of variety. There is preservation and digitizing resources to make them more accessible to the public. While touring Special Collections, we met someone who was measuring the light intensity of different areas of the library. She explained that light can do irreversible damage to older materials, so it’s important to keep it controlled in certain exhibitions. The work that the Special Collections librarians do, at first glance, looks similar to maintaining a museum. It is truly an exciting place to work.

Emily


What is the most interesting job you have learned about in the library so far?

The most interesting job that I have learned about in the library is the special collections job.

Why is this job your favorite?

This job was my favorite because I learned that you can see many parts of history in the job. I also got to see the Declaration of Independence, seen information/facts about William Faulkner and seen smaller versions of The Bible.

Niedia


What is the most interesting job you have learned about in the library so far?

The conservation and Preservation Department.

Why is this job your favorite?

The Preservation Librarian not only get to preform treatments on paper and parchment to construct boxes, but also work with the Special Collection Development Librarian to develop priorities of conservations treatments and an assessment of preservation needs.

Soyata


What is the most interesting job you have learned about in the library so far and why?

The most interesting job that I have learned about in my three days at the library so far is Krystal Appiah’s job in special collections.  I am the special collections intern, so I’ve gotten to see a bit more of the inner workings of this section of the library and I have really enjoyed it.  I love the idea of getting to work with rare books and letters from all different time periods and places, written by famous and lesser known individuals.  For example, I got to see letters written by Thomas Jefferson and the first manuscript of The Grapes of Wrath.  On the other hand, my family on my dad’s side has a few letters stored in special collections as well.

Peyton


What is the most interesting job you have learned about in the library so far and why?

My favorite part of the job is shelving books on the book truck and to categorize which right numbers go together.

Gabe

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