At Heythrop Library we offer opportunities for work experience placements. This can be a valuable way for people to gain hands-on experience in an academic library workplace and enhance their CVs. The librarians always learn from the experience too!
For the last two years, we have hosted a UCL student studying for a postgraduate qualification in Library and Information Studies.
Here, Kathryn Peak reflects on her UCL work placement in May 2024:
“I undertook a two-week placement at the Heythrop Library as part of my postgraduate diploma in Library and Information Studies at UCL. An online meeting a few weeks beforehand helped me to feel comfortable and to answer any questions I had about the placement. It also meant that staff at the Heythrop could create a timetable for the two weeks that included varied activities adapted to my interests and areas where I wanted to build confidence.
During my two weeks I was trained on their LMS and catalogued some books. I also learned about the bespoke classification system used in the library and had a go classifying resources. I carried out a couple of research projects, one around developing an area of the collection, the other to create a display for social media and a blog post. I also had the opportunity to work with datasets to analyse loans and holdings, and to synthesise the data and make brief reports. I was also able to meet library users and help them to find the resources they needed.
I really enjoyed my time working at the Heythrop. The staff were friendly and very supportive. They put a great deal of thought into making the experience fun, productive, and interesting. I learned new skills, and developed my confidence, particularly in cataloguing. They also ensured that I had suitable material for the case study I needed to write up following the placement. I would strongly recommend taking on a placement at the Heythrop if you are a librarian in training.”
– Kathryn, May 2024, Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies, UCL
Are you interested in gaining work experience at a specialist library for philosophy and theology in London (Mayfair)? Do you enjoy being organised, seeking information, and finding answers to problems? We could be the place for you to gain valuable insights into librarianship and information work!
More info: Heythrop Library work experience document
Please email us at heythroplibrary@jesuit.org.uk with your CV (if you have one) and a short statement, telling us what you would like to get out of volunteering with us, including preferences for time commitment.
If you’re a school student, please provide the name and contact details of one teacher who knows you, and whom we can contact.
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