I’m Rooting for You: Cultivating Relationships with Graduate Student Workers

Abstract

The current GLAM hiring culture is competitive and increasingly experience driven—students are expected to graduate from their master’s programs with varied practical experiences in addition to theoretical knowledge and familiarity with best practices in the field. What opportunities exist for both full-time and part-time students to gain these experiences, and how can practitioners help without overextending themselves? What work goes into supervising and collaborating with students? In this roundtable discussion, panelists will examine the various aspects of collaborations between professionals and student workers in archives. Hear examples from archives professionals who make space for library and archives students to gain hands-on, project-based, educational experiences that benefit their own institutions, their partner organizations, and above all, the student participants. Learn about advocating for and acquiring funding for student positions and the types of projects students complete during internships and practicum experiences, and gain insight into how practical work experience supports and supplements classroom curricula. When strong relationships exist between universities and professional archivists, students can enter the field as well-rounded,confident professionals with the experiences and peer support systems necessary to secure full-time employment.