This year’s placement from the University of Strathclyde Information and Library Studies MSc/PgDip course was Angela McLean.  Angela has kindly agreed to share her experience of working in the Library here as follows:

“The MSc Information and Library Studies course offered at the University of Strathclyde, allows students the opportunity to experience five weeks of work in a library setting. I couldn’t believe it when I was told that the library I had specifically asked for had been given to me and that I would be working at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons.

My first task during my placement was to take an inventory of a selection of the rare books that were believed to be duplicates, this was a great opportunity to spend all day with rare books and, more practically, to gain a better insight into the library collection available at the College.

After I had finished this process, I was never short of tasks to do and helped with the archives, as well as researching and photographing more rare books from the collection for the ‘Adopt-a-book’ scheme.

Books waiting to be adopted and conserved.

I was also in charge of the library for a few hours on my own, which thankfully went by without a hitch and I learned how to fix the indispensable coffee machine available in the library (trust me when I say it is a vital component of the library).

The Library tea and coffee machine – learning how to operate this is an essential skill.

My time at the Royal College has made me certain that I definitely want to pursue a career in libraries because of the sheer variety of tasks that need done on a daily basis. Also, I felt very welcomed by all the library staff and wider College staff which made it a delight to turn up every day.  In fact, I enjoyed my five weeks working in the Library that I have decided to stay on and help with a few odd jobs.”

Please do get in touch with the library should you wish to adopt a book by emailing library@rcpsg.ac.uk