This summer, for my Practicum, I worked at the Children's Literature Research Collection at the University of Minnesota. My main project was processing author Mary Ann Hoberman's papers. Through this experience, I gained an overall understanding of archival methods and processing as well as ArchivesSpace. It's been fun to apply that knowledge to my current Advanced Archives class. I enthusiastically recommend LIS 7993 to anyone who wants a hands-on experience that expands your library science knowledge and skill set. 

This past summer, I completed my practicum at the Hennepin County Library Special Collections Department. My primary responsibility was processing archival records related to the Hennepin County Library (HCL) and Minneapolis Public Library (MPL) organizations. The goal of my work was to independently create detailed, user-friendly finding aids for each collection I processed, helping make the materials more accessible to patrons. Throughout my practicum, I had the opportunity to use archives management software, specifically ArchivesSpace, and became proficient in using a variety of scanning equipment. I also learned how to create finding aids that balance detailed information with ease of use, ultimately benefiting researchers and the public.

This experience was incredibly valuable in developing my technical and analytical skills. Not only did it reinforce the archival theory and methods I've learned in my MLIS program, but it also gave me the chance to work independently and apply those skills in a practical setting. The hands-on experience with real archival collections and software has better prepared me for future roles in archives and special collections.

I highly recommend this practicum for any LIS student interested in archives or special collections. It provides hands-on experience, an opportunity to develop critical technical skills, and a chance to contribute to the accessibility of historical materials in a meaningful way.

For my Summer 2024 Practicum, I was an archiving intern for the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, St Paul Province Archives and worked with the archivist Michelle Hueg. I processed materials for the collections for three sisters who had a diverse range of interests and specialties. I accessioned and organized materials into each sister’s existing file, and was able to gain processing experience with a variety of items such as photographs, film slides, video media, books, letters and other papers. I described the items to folder level, highlighting special access points or context, and added or updated online records. Because of the Practicum, I gained a better understanding of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and their values of social justice, community, and spirituality. While processing items, I felt that I began to understand more about each sister and was excited to read excerpts of letters, journal entries, manuscripts and essays.  

The primary collections I worked with were Sister Mary O’Hara, Sister Kathleen Marie Shields and Sister Roseanne Giguere. Although there were many fascinating items and stories to each collection, several that stand out are Sister Mary’s original reel recordings of the Diksha vow ceremony of the Jain nuns in India from 1985; materials for a workshop about service-focused leadership organized by Sister Kathleen during her time as the Director of Religious Education for the diocese of Honolulu; and Sister Roseanne’s worksheets and writings related to shame, trauma, and spirituality for the Center of Spiritual Guidance, a training program Sister Roseann founded in 1990. 

Interning at the CSJ Archive allowed me to work independently and gain experience and insight into managing and organizing projects at a real archive, while applying archival theory and knowledge gained from courses in the MLIS program. The practicum was an invaluable opportunity to learn from a professional mentor in my field, and hearing Michelle Hueg’s perspective and knowledge when I encountered challenges or questions helped inform my decisions and created a better understanding of the specific needs of an archive. The Practicum course also allowed me to connect with a group of my peers and learn about their Practicum sites and receive feedback on interviewing and application materials, all under the guidance of Dr. Joyce Yukawa, who taught the Practicum course for the semester.