The Inside View: A Fascinating Library Journey

Preface by Kelley Rae Unger Children's Librarian Peabody Institute Library, Peabody When Chanthy Leak came to the library to discuss her internship with Susan Babb and me, I was struck by how different she was from the interns we usually see in libraries. Chanthy wasn't a reader anymore, but she hoped to become one again. Chanthy wasn't a writing or literature major, but rather she was interested in libraries from a business standpoint. As I sat and listened at that interview, I knew that this intern would bring a very unique perspective to our library. While at the Peabody Institute Library, Chanthy spent time in each of our primary departments. She checked out books in the Children's Room, helped with ILLs in Reference, did some weeding in YA and even shadowed our director for a day. She also spent time with our Assistant Director and in the Technical Services Department. Despite never having a real "home" in any department, Chanthy approached each of her assignments with enthusiasm and came away with valuable knowledge from each experience. In addition, all of us who work at the library had the opportunity to see ourselves with fresh eyes. As Chanthy is a business major, her observations, comments and questions about the way we work and interact with each other were always points that made me alternately laugh or seriously think about how we do things. Interns like Chanthy provide us with a new window on our library worlds, and for the perspectives they share we are truly grateful. At the end of her time with us, it was clear Chanthy loved to work with people and that, while she thought the Children's Room was fun, she found our director's job most interesting. As Chanthy approaches her final year of college, we wish her the best of luck! We know you'll make a great director someday, Chanthy!

Welcome to the Fascinating World of Librarians
By Chanthy Leak

When you think of working in the library, the first word that may come to mind is "boring". However, as an intern at the Peabody Institute Library, I found this stereotype false. In fact, library work is fascinating to me. There is more to libraries than just books.

As a business student at Salem State College, I am interested in more than just company environments because I want to keep an open mind. I am also interested in other vicinities such as non-profit organizations.

When I was young, I always wanted my own collection of books. I wanted nearby children to visit my book collection, or to have a trailer to carry my books and make frequent stops just like an ice cream truck, playing tunes cruising down each street. That was a childhood fantasy. As I got older, I slowly moved away from books. My interest in the library was in the back of my mind. When I decided to take this internship and experience how libraries function, I thought back to my past childhood dream. Perhaps the enjoyment of reading would also come back with this great opportunity.

During a time frame of six weeks, I was granted opportunities to work in different departments. After the internship, I discovered that interaction with people is what I enjoy best. Each department offered something different.

The first three days, I was in the Children's Room with Kelley Rae Unger (Head of Children's Services) and Maryanne Sirois (Assistant Children's Librarian). I got familiar with the basic everyday functions that consisted of shelving books, weeding, circulation, and fixing displays. I was also fortunate to sit in one of the toddler story time programs offered. I learned that the Children's Room was a fun environment.

The Reference Department was filled with all the answers from where to locate books through virtual catalogs, to interlibrary loans and so much more. During most of my time there, I observed Gwendolyn Charter and James McGinn.

The Young Adult's (YA) Department was slightly similar to the Children's Room. The YA Department provides programs for 6th-12th graders. While in the YA Department, I got a chance to visit the South Branch to help with some weeding of fiction books with Melissa Rauseo, the YA Librarian.

If you want human interaction, the Circulation desk is the place to be. In everything from checking books in and out, to handing out museum passes and processing books on hold, human interaction is central.

I also worked in the Technical Services Department. Technical Services was basically behind the scenes work. I got to check and review whether the DVD movies and CDs were in good condition.

Through work with the Director, Martha Holden, and the Assistant Director/Adult Services Librarian, Gerri Guyote, I learned about the business end of libraries. Their jobs lean more toward the business-oriented aspects of the library. The day I worked with Gerri, I did clerical work. I was assigned to sort different categories of books and find the amount spent at the end. Although, working with Gerri was an interesting experience, I looked forward to working with the Director.

Shadowing Martha Holden for a day was very appealing. That day was occupied with tasks from beginning to end. She was basically in charge of keeping the library in good condition. There were things the library needed and she was the one who sought to fulfill those needs. I would love to obtain her position, but I understand that it would take years to be in her shoes.

Overall, with the limited amount of hours I was able to work during the summer, I noticed how librarians put plenty of effort into preparation for their programs, outreach to the community, and patron assistance. I've discovered the library is not only a place where patrons go to get their reading books, but a place where readers can explore, learn, and connect to anything they desire. This is why my internship became a fascinating journey and I'm lucky to have experienced it. For those that still assume libraries and librarians are "boring," seek and you'll find out!

A special thanks to Susan Babb, Kelley Rae Unger, and all the librarians at the Peabody Institute Library that made this experience possible.