Au Revoir!

This has been a great semester as the Fortenbaugh music librarian intern. I learned a lot, and it is all invaluable information that will help me in the future, no matter what I decide to do. Most importantly, in helping other people with their research, I feel that I have gotten better at researching music materials myself, which will come in handy for 300 and 400-level music classes in the future (and grad school should I pursue that). The past few weeks I have mostly been working on my Baroque opera research guide, and I am glad to say that I have finally finished it! It should be up on the library's music page shortly. I made sure to include call numbers for books/audio/film we have in the library so the researcher can go directly to the source without having to look it up on MusCat. I know if I were consulting a research guide, I would want to skip this extra step too. I also included resources outside the library. After looking up many full scores of Baroque operas outside the library (on WorldCat), hopefully we will add them to acquisitions soon and they will be added to the collection. Being able to make my own research guide gave me independence and a project that I can be proud of. I really hope that it will make people learn more about Baroque opera, and that it will help them in their research. Overall this internship has been a great experience and I am very glad I was chosen to be a part of it. I won't be returning to Gettysburg for a year now, since I will be going abroad to Paris and Senegal, but I will definitely miss Gettysburg and Musselman Library. Thanks for an awesome semester!
Bridget

Is it already May?

Last week of classes and one week of exams—the semester is slowly winding down, and soon, if the weather cooperates, summer will be here. In the meantime, for most of us on campus it’s time to buckle down and do the work we’ve all been procrastinating on. That said, I imagine the library is excited for the semi-annual craziness that is exam week. Thankfully, as in past semesters, the library will be offering students a chance to chill out with the library. This “chill” study break will include “chilly” ice cream, snacks, board games, and possibly even Christmas lights! Personally, considering what assignments I have due before Monday, I will certainly be enjoying that down-time!! 

            Today is my last reference shift. This semester and this internship flew by. I am really happy that I had the opportunity to work in the reference department. It allowed me to begin to learn the best ways of retrieving information and helping patrons. It was wonderful whenever I could concretely help a patron. That is what I look forward to most in the future: working with library patrons. I developed many useful skills in this internship, including the ability to use imovie! I am also really glad I had the opportunity to work with the children’s collection. I am excited to be able to dive into resources for children and young adults even more while I am in grad school!

I am really going to miss Musselman Library when I graduate. I started working with Jim in tech services as a lowly first-year and ever since the library has been an integral and special place for me. Thank you to all the people who make Musselman Library what it is—it truly is a wonderful place!

Molly