KF뉴스레터-The KF Global Challengers Program

KF Library Internship

I assist with book cataloging at the East Asia Library at the University of Washington in Seattle. At the moment, I arrange, categorize, and research donated books and materials written around the time of Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule. I also participate in seminars and other events at the library and elsewhere on campus. The other day, I attended “Book Sori,” a library-sponsored monthly program where Korean books are introduced to students and Korean residents in the area and invited lecturers give book-related talks. Recently, I attended the screening of a video created by visiting students from Pukyong National University in Busan, Korea, to promote the port city as a travel spot, and had the opportunity to talk with several Korean Studies professors also in attendance.
  I have spent quite some time learning about the work of librarians. At the beginning of my internship, I received training in the US Library of Congress Classification system and learned how to use the required Romanization system, catalog electronic books, and find and issue E-call numbers. I have also become familiar with the integrated library management system Alma, which is used by a consortium of 39 libraries in the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Book information is shared so that catalogs and materials can be lent and borrowed freely within the consortium. Recently, I have been receiving training in original cataloging and Resource Deion and Access (RDA), a method used mainly in the United States and Britain, and studying how library databases are built and maintained.
  As this year marks the 80th anniversary of the East Asia Library, the entire staff is preparing special events and exhibitions. I cannot offer direct assistance due to my lack of language proficiency, but the librarians and other staff have been kind enough to let me attend their preparatory meetings to learn how to get ready for such occasions. Detailed preparations will begin once the program content is finalized.
  Thanks to the diverse educational programs at the library, I have acquired the cataloging skills necessary for material management and related library programs. I have also experienced American culture at various functions and parties. Above all, I have gained a thorough understanding of library operations by being allowed to work and receive training at the same time during my internship. During my remaining days here, I will be both working and thinking about the topic of my thesis and gathering the necessary materials.