An e-mail came to me last week regarding an internship in the area of library programming, specifically related to music (Calypso). !!! Before I even thought about it, I sent my resume. Sounds great, right? I am seriously interested in programming. As I see it, the most important thing in a library is the user. And if we don’t have users that come into the library, what is the point of having all the books? How do we get users to come? ADVERTISING/PROGRAMMING! Have book talks, sponsor study groups, feature new and old titles. Keep pounding the available resources into the head of the professors and students.

That is why I am here, isn’t it? Because I started working in the music library at OU and I randomly came across the rows and rows of music education books. Because none of my music ed professors ever asked me to research. Because anything I read in those classes was xeroxed. Because the profs either didn’t know about the books I saw, or they just didn’t care. Either way, I want to do better. I want them to do better. And I want the students to leave having learned how to find the answers. So, PROGRAM. ADVERTISE. MARKET. Whatever I need to do to make this better.

This internship seems like an opportunity to learn some aspects of library programming. What does it take, how is it done, does it work? Here is the description:

The intern will
* Provide publicity assistance and support in preparation for the traveling exhibit on
the Pan and Calypso Music at the African American Cultural Center (AACC) Library during
spring semester of 2007.
* Assist in communication duties such as correspondence and e-mail, with exhibit
co-sponsors and others.
* Assist in research for and writing of parts of grants in preparation for the exhibit
* Assist in developing programming and a web site for the exhibit

Looks great, huh?

Anyway, I heard back from the librarian in charge of the internship, and she wanted me to come in for an interview! So, I did, and I heard right back from her that she wanted to offer me the position. And within the day, I had filled out the paperwork, been to my advisor to have it signed, and turned it in. Just in time for the deadline. The posting was cutting it close, but I managed it. I could have had extra time if needed, but I just wanted to get it all ready to go.

I am excited to be getting an internship set up. As a Music Specialization student, I am required to do two. So it will be good to get one finished.

More later….