Transforming the Future of Libraries & Archives 2024

My experience this summer as an intern at the Library of Virginia has been extremely informative and rewarding. I worked as an intern in the Education and Outreach department where I have been able to contribute to the Library of Virginia’s ongoing research on Virginia Indians.  I had the chance to delve into census information and local records, which allowed me to understand how the state and local communities recorded Indigenous peoples. I was also able to research Indigenous People through Virginia Chronicle, the Library of Virginia’s newspaper database. This resource has allowed me to see a more detailed perspective of how Virginia Indians were treated at the time and how they were perceived by others. My work this summer has given me a deeper understanding of the research that goes into creating educational resources and making historical work accessible. I look forward to taking what I’ve learned with me as I continue my educational career.

Programming and Exhibitions intern Nora Birchett studies public history at the College of William and Mary.

I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to work on Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative with Lydia Neuroth this summer. Archival work was something I had never done before and provided me with a completely new perspective on history. It broadened my experience beyond the purview of a researcher. My focus during this internship was primarily on processing court cases, letters, and governor’s papers written in the 19th century. It was incredible to handle documents from two hundred years ago, many times written by someone I’ll never know the name of. Being able to experience history hands-on was an invaluable aspect of the internship.

It was truly an honor to help make the stories of past Black and multiracial Virginians more accessible; being able to serve the public like this is why I chose to become a historian. Efforts to preserve (and make available) the histories of minority groups are long overdue and crucial to better serve all communities within the Commonwealth. I’m very thankful to the Library of Virginia and the Transforming the Future of Libraries & Archives internship program for this incredible experience.

Virginia Untold intern Kade McGrail studies history at Virginia Commonwealth University.

My experience at the Library of Virginia has been incredibly enriching, blending my passion for history with my computer science skills. Working on the World War II Separation Notices project, I’ve gained hands-on experience in transcribing historical records and creating data visualizations, which has deepened my appreciation for historical preservation. The opportunity to engage with crowdsourcing events and assess transcription data has enhanced my analytical and technical abilities. This internship has also exposed me to the collaborative nature of library projects and the impact of public involvement in preserving history. As I consider my future career path, this experience has prepared me by demonstrating how technology can intersect with historical research, providing valuable insights into both the technical and historical aspects of preservation.

Digital Initiatives & Web Presence intern Maitri Pathak studies computer science at Virginia Tech.

This summer at the Library of Virginia, I took part in the Visual Studies Collection internship. It focused on rehousing the Pioneer America Society Images Collection, as I worked with my supervisor Dana Angell to transcribe handwriting and create a search tool for the 2000+ images. After processing all the images, I wrote a catablog post to explain the rehousing initiative and give some interpretation on the images. Following that assignment, I began processing and researching cameras recently acquired by special collections, taking measurements and noting historical context. Overall, I found my experience this summer to be so informative, as a graduate student about to begin a Library and Information Science program. I enjoyed the process of rehousing a collection from start to finish and being able to hone my research skills.

Visual Studies Collection intern Brooke Patten plans to pursue a master’s degree in library and information science at Kent State University

My internship at the Library has been incredibly valuable as I prepare for my future career. As I enter my junior year in college, I realize there is still much to learn, especially in cybersecurity. This internship introduced me to critical cybersecurity frameworks that I hadn’t encountered in my academic coursework. While my major emphasizes business, I’ve realized the importance of integrating cybersecurity knowledge into this field. I’m eager to share this knowledge with the academic clubs I’m involved in. Although I’m still exploring career options, this experience has given me a clearer understanding of the various paths within cybersecurity and the steps needed to achieve my goals.

Information Security intern Josie Saunders studies cybersecurity management and analytics at Virginia Tech.

There is so much one can learn when looking at a piece of paper. As a Private Papers intern, I’ve spent the last few weeks organizing, filing, and cataloging the Daughters of Zelophehad collection, a collection of papers and documents detailing the extensive history and inner workings of the former Chesterfield County transitional housing program for women and their children. I’ve combed over meeting minutes and agendas, emails, program flyers, and extensive workshop curriculum that all tell a story of a majority Black women-led nonprofit organization looking to uplift and support its community. As someone with a background in community organizing, I have learned a lot simply from looking over and filing these documents for the archive. Prior to the TFLA internship, I hadn’t worked in a library or knew anything about the archival process. Now, with the skills I’ve learned in this program, I am confident to continue working within the field of Library Science and to promote the library as a space of inquiry, exploration, and discovery.

Private Papers Collection intern Shawn Williams is pursuing a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies at Virginia Commonwealth University.