101 - Reflections on Remote Internships in a Hospital Library

Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic continued through 2021, a small hospital library took the opportunity to hire remote interns. The library typically hosted one intern a year but had not since the beginning of the pandemic. After a year of supporting library users virtually and with hospital policies preventing onsite volunteers or interns the library began a search for a remote intern. Remote internships present challenges and opportunities. This poster will showcase the experiences of a hospital librarian and two remote student interns throughout 2021.

Description: Prior to March 2020, interns reported to work onsite and had the opportunity to shadow the librarian while working on projects. The librarian was concerned a remote internship would not be as valuable to library students seeking experience in a hospital library. In spring 2021 a remote internship was advertised at library schools throughout the United States. Broadening the applicant pool ensured students focused on medical librarianship would apply.
This internship was customized by the two interns. Interns met with the librarian weekly to check in, which helped to meet the needs of both interns. Interns received additional professional development through attendance at various seminars.
There were special issues associated with the remote internship. Interns required technology to access the hospital’s technological infrastructure such as Citrix Workspace or Microsoft Teams, which was sometimes a challenge.

Conclusion: Remote internships in hospital libraries help library science students gain valuable hands-on experience in specialized libraries. Recruitment and retention of early-career health sciences librarians may improve with these opportunities. While remote system connection can be complex, it enhances accessibility for students in varied geographic areas. Video conferencing programs promote streamlined communication and collaboration between librarians and interns, and allow meeting and committee attendance.
Library interns participated in activities such as literature searches, systematic reviews, interlibrary loans, research councils, and departmental meetings. They received instruction and coaching from an experienced librarian and assisted with daily tasks and workflows. Remote internships in health sciences libraries are beneficial for both interns and supervisors and should be offered by more facilities.