Written by Fall 2024 Ask a Librarian Intern Federica Alesiani

As an Ask A Librarian Intern at Columbia University Libraries during Fall 2024, I had the
 privilege of working alongside talented colleagues, engaging in thought-provoking projects, and 
growing both personally and professionally. One of the most rewarding aspects of this internship
 was its ability to open my eyes to the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in 
library services. This internship taught me that libraries are more than repositories of knowledge;
 they are spaces where equity and access intersect. The Ask A Librarian role required me to
 assist with virtual reference (v-ref) shifts, offering direct support to users. Through these
 interactions, I learned about the diverse needs of the library’s community and recognized the
 critical role DEI plays in creating inclusive library spaces. It reinforced my belief that libraries can
 be powerful agents of social change, advocating for underrepresented voices and breaking
 down barriers to access.

A key lesson from this experience was the importance of collaboration in professional
 environments. By actively engaging with my colleagues, sharing ideas, and seeking guidance, I
 learned from their expertise and contributed to shared goals. This spirit of collaboration
 emphasized the value of teamwork in achieving impactful results. Building these connections
 enhanced my understanding of librarianship as a field rooted in collective effort and mutual
 growth.

One of the standout moments of this internship was the opportunity to present my Open Access 
project to my colleagues. This project assessed the impact of transformative Read-and-Publish
 agreements and explored ways to leverage the library’s resources to expand Open Access
 opportunities. Sharing my findings with the team was incredibly rewarding, and it was humbling 
to know that my work would serve as a reference for future initiatives on Open Access
 publishing. This experience solidified my understanding of the key role libraries play in ensuring
 equitable access to knowledge for all.

Key Takeaways from My Internship


• Enhanced Perspective on DEI: Working in an environment that prioritizes DEI 
emphasized the importance of intentionality in creating welcoming library services.
• Interpersonal Growth: Embracing vulnerability as a strength enabled me to connect
 with colleagues, foster collaboration, and gain valuable mentorship.
• Professional Development: Covering v-ref shifts improved my ability to provide
effective, empathetic reference services, a key skill in this field.
• Impactful Contributions: Presenting my Open Access project allowed me to contribute 
to the library’s mission and learn about future work on advancing equitable access.

My time as an Ask A Librarian Intern at Columbia University Libraries reshaped my understanding of 
librarianship as a profession rooted in equity and connection. The growth I experienced, both
 personal and professional, is something I will carry with me as I move forward in my career. To those considering an internship in librarianship, I offer this encouragement: embrace
 opportunities to connect and learn. The experience will shape not just your career, but also your 
perspective on the roles libraries play in promoting equity and inclusivity.

About the Author


Federica Alesiani (pronounced Fe-de-rica) is currently completing the Master’s in Library and
Information Science at the University of Washington. With experience as a teaching assistant
 and workshop leader in informatics, Federica has developed strong technical and
 communication skills. She is passionate about harnessing data and predictive modeling to 
improve educational outcomes. Upon finishing her Master’s at UW, Federica aspires to continue
 her thesis studies on leveraging open access initiatives on scholarly research across diverse 
institutions.