Case Study - Laura

Laura Ashford spent the first six months of this year gaining librarianship work experience with the local studies library collections. She has been helping the local studies staff team prepare for the big move to the History Centre. Here Laura describes her experience:

How I got involved
This year I began studying for an MA in Librarianship at Sheffield University. As part of the course we have a lot of guest speakers talking about the different library sectors. David Smith, who runs the Local History Library at Hull came in to give a talk about the development of the new Hull History Centre and I was instantly interested. After the session I approached David about the chance to get involved with the project, and I came to see the library in the new year.

What have I done?
I’ve been volunteering a day per week since January, which has given me the some much needed work experience. The local studies team are very friendly and welcoming, helping me with any problems I have. They have also been very flexible in my hours so I could tailor volunteering around my studies, not being able to come in every week or changing days when needed. Whilst here I have helped list and date different documents, the jobs are varied and interesting and you never know what you may find. I’ve also been able to use the resources in the library to try and date old photographs for which we have no details, this has been difficult and you have to use all your detective skills but you get a great sense of satisfaction when you can finally put a date on a ‘photo.

I’ve really enjoyed my time here (although the two hour train journey not so much!) and can’t wait to see the new history centre when it’s open!