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By Michele Bernard and
Raymond Dominquez
The Librarian recently spent part of an afternoon chatting with 36 young people in the Library's 2004 Summer Internship and Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) programs. They took advantage of this opportunity to ask questions and make observations about the Library.
During his opening remarks, Librarian James H. Billington told the interns they represent two things: a fresh group of bright young people and the Library's potential work force. He emphasized the importance of "knowledge navigators" to the mission of the Library and encouraged them to consider government work as a career.
The interns enjoyed this open forum on July 14. "It was inspiring to hear Dr. Billington share his reflections on the Library and its role, and the vision he has for its continued prominence in the United States' intellectual growth and renewal," said Jen Green, an intern in the Manuscript Division.
After hearing the interns' suggestions, the Librarian asked that they write down their ideas for improving the Library. Those included keeping up with current technology because more people will be using LC sources via the Internet, continuing intern programs, and more actively involving the community in special programs like the Veteran’s History Project. "Dr. Billington expressed genuine interest in the projects interns participated in and asked for honest feedback. I was encouraged to know our opinions and suggestions were valued and grateful that Dr. Billington offered us an opportunity to collaborate and be part of the solution," said Michele Akyol, a HACU intern working for the Congressional Research Service (CRS).
"They seem to be very engaged and energetic. I enjoyed talking with them and wish that I could have had more time. I'm really looking forward to more of their feedback on the Library," said Dr. Billington, who spent 90 minutes with the group.
Managed by the Office of Workforce Diversity, the 2004 Summer Internship Program and HACU offered positions throughout the Library in the Congressional Research Service, Veterans History Project, the Office of Human Resources, the Interpretive Programs Office, the Office of Workforce Diversity, the Library Services Business Enterprise Program and Information Technology Services. Interns also were assigned to the Geography and Maps, African and Middle Eastern, Contracts and Grants Management, Federal Research, Hispanic, Manuscript, Music, Publishing, and Special Materials Cataloging divisions.
Weekly tours, field trips and lectures supplemented the Washington, D.C., experience for the participants. The 2004 Summer Internship Program was created with Madison Council support and is scheduled to run again next summer.
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