by Jessica Foley 
University College Dublin student, MLIS Library & Information Studies 

Copyright © 2024 Jessica Foley

This summer, for the work placement module of my master’s degree, I interned at the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) in the Registration Department for seven weeks. Supervised by the full-time librarian, I collaborated with various museum professionals on projects such as packing materials ahead of moves between different storage sites, organizing a new archive of museum publications, and cleaning a newly donated academic collection. My tasks also included reorganising part of the main library to create a functioning oversize section, assisting in updating locations on the catalogue, searching for publications, and cleaning books affected by mould. The experience was diverse and engaging, enriched by expert-led tours of the museum's collections. 

Flexibility and organization were crucial as I worked across different locations and curatorial divisions. Understanding the specific needs of each site and project helped me be an effective team member. This adaptability ensured efficient project completion and facilitated the collection of books for the archival project, which involved library collections across all the sites. I quickly learned the importance of precision and thoroughness in my tasks, which saved time and resources. 

During my internship, I applied theoretical knowledge from my library science studies to practical tasks, becoming proficient in navigating the museum's library management system, Axiell. This hands-on experience solidified my skills and increased my confidence in managing bibliographic data.  

A significant project was the meticulous removal of mould from books in a donated collection, guided by the museum's Paper Conservator. Though labour-intensive, it was fulfilling to see the progress and contribute to preserving valuable materials. Simpler tasks, like reorganizing office libraries using the familiar Dewey System, provided a sense of accomplishment and reinforced my organisational skills. These small successes, combined with overcoming more complex challenges, made for a rewarding internship experience. 

This internship directly aligns with my career goals of working in non-traditional libraries, such as those in museums. The NMI experience offered firsthand insight into working within a library spread across locations, departments, and disciplines. I was inspired by the collaborative environment and the coordination between colleagues and the librarian. Learning to navigate the Axiell system was particularly valuable, enhancing my technical skills and attention to detail. 

One significant challenge was managing setbacks, such as the extended time required for mould cleaning. Although initially frustrating, the satisfaction of completing the project and reuniting the cleaned books with the collection was immeasurable. Additionally, learning a new library management system independently was daunting, but with my supervisor's guidance, I gained confidence and proficiency. 

In conclusion, my internship at the NMI was transformative, leaving me grateful and more confident. I gained valuable skills in cataloguing, database searching, project coordination, and mould cleaning. The supportive and inclusive environment, coupled with hands-on learning and expert interactions, confirmed my passion for working in dynamic and collaborative library settings. This experience has undoubtedly prepared me for a successful future in non-traditional library roles.