+44 (0) 1273 386849Starting Out in Librarianship: A Library Trainee Reflects on Her First Year
Laura and I first met at the BIALL Conference over a lunch break. We quickly found ourselves talking about career pathways, choices facing people in the information profession, what has changed (and what hasn’t), and how we can bring new talent into libraries. We also spoke about the value of a library traineeship, what established information professionals can learn from those just entering the field.
That conversation inspired this series on careers in librarianship. In the first post, I shared my own reflections on internships and early roles and offered some practical tips for new information people. Laura stood out for her thoughtfulness, honesty, and sense of purpose. She had just completed her library traineeship at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (IALS), and I wanted to hear more about her experience. I’m delighted that she agreed to share her reflections here.
How did you come across the library traineeship? What did you expect going into the role?
Laura said:
It was just over halfway through law school that I realised I didn’t want to be a lawyer, but I still wanted to work in a legal environment in some shape or form. That came from my enjoyment of work experience placements where I was exposed to support roles in chambers or law firms, conducting research or helping to set up for conferences.
The ‘positive action graduate trainee library assistant’ role at IALS cropped up on LinkedIn and I thought it would be perfect. I did have an interest in librarianship but hadn’t had much exposure to libraries in general, so what I pictured about library work was, I admit, rather stereotypical.
Myths were quickly busted. There is a lot more going on behind the scenes than I expected. It was especially evident during the preparation for a new library system being adopted, and all the tweaking afterwards. The work that differed most from my initial image was in the Digital department, where my main focus was updating the IALS Instagram page. I certainly wasn’t expecting that, but it highlights how varied and fun library work can be.
Some parts have stayed true to my perceptions – like stamping books with due dates when a reader comes to the Enquiry Desk, but those are just one small part of the job.
What helped you feel supported or confident?
Laura said:
Having two other fellow trainees that I could talk to really helped, so they deserve a mention! There were also training sessions throughout the year, on topics like research and conservation. There were plenty of opportunities to be exposed to different kinds of work, both within IALS Library and on visits to other libraries.
Everyone in the office contributed to an environment where it was okay to ask questions. Trainees aren’t expected to be experts after only a few weeks in the job, and that continuous support was invaluable. I can only be grateful to have had such great colleagues for my first job straight out of university – it’s set a high standard for what a supportive workplace can be.
How would you reach potential recruits, and what would you change?
Laura said:
I once took part in a virtual programme with the British Library that was open to anyone aged 13+. One of its aims was to showcase what the work of a librarian entails. Programmes like that are exactly what I would encourage: engaging ways to reach people from all sorts of backgrounds and introduce them to librarianship.
As for what I would change, that’s harder to pinpoint. While the core work of librarians is largely the same across institutions, every library has its own clientele and services. I assume a trainee role in an academic research library would differ in some ways from one in a public or school library, but the system as it stands works well to provide foundational, transferable skills and knowledge.
Perhaps as technology develops, it will be important to incorporate new elements. For example, exposure to responsible AI usage could become necessary for the next generation of librarians to be fully equipped in their skillset.
Is there anything you wish you’d known from the start?
Laura said:
I don’t think there was anything I needed to know beforehand. I learnt so much during my year at IALS, and that’s the point of a library traineeship. What does help is having an interest in the career, but also being open to learning, taking feedback, and asking questions when you’re unsure. That attitude makes the most of the experience.
If there was one surprise, it was how often digital skills are needed. Brushing up on those beforehand could be useful. I’ve probably learnt more Excel shortcuts in the library than I would on any course!
How has this shaped your thinking about library school or your next steps?
Laura said:
Overall, I have enjoyed my experience, and a postgraduate qualification looks like the next step. I did hesitate during the year, wondering if this was a career I’d want to commit to long term.
But as I gained experience of all aspects of library work – and especially after attending the BIALL Conference, which did wonders for my ambition and motivation – I’ve realised that librarianship is a career I would enjoy and want to pursue.
Final thoughts about the value of a library traineeship
Laura’s story shows the value of curiosity, openness, and support in shaping the early stages of a library career. From law school to librarianship, from Instagram posts to Excel shortcuts, she highlights how traineeships open doors and build transferable skills that will serve a career in information.
In the next – and final – post in this series, I’ll be turning to what supervisors and employers can do to create reflective, supportive environments for early-career professionals. Drawing on both my own experience and Laura’s insights, I’ll share guidance for creating a library traineeship with purpose.
For readers less familiar with the institution – the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies forms part of the University of London’s School of Advanced Study. Its library is promoted as a “legal research library,” providing resources and services primarily for academics and postgraduate researchers.
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