Bailey Bjolin
Master of Library and Information Studies and Master of Archival Studies
2022/23 UBC iSchool MLIS Co-op Student of the Year
Bailey demonstrated her commitment to professional growth through two co-op terms at the BC Hydro Library and Archives (BCHLA), where she immersed herself in a corporate library environment. During the work terms, her tasks included digitizing 3,500 images in the Historical Photograph Collection, responding to research requests, and contributing to internal newsletters. She conducted research for an archival strategy, interviewing archivists, BC Hydro staff, and completing a literature review. Additionally, she handled daily operations, addressing patron inquiries, attending staff meetings, and carrying out library tasks. Bailey also showed adaptability and a high level of professionalism during organizational restructuring, when she provided basic onboarding assistance for new staff and support for the Corporate Librarian .
Bailey was recognized by Katie Sloan, her supervisor, for her “curiosity and desire to learn,” which made her a “natural fit working within a special library setting.” She demonstrated these qualities while digitizing the electrical series for the Historical Photograph Collection. Although she found it challenging to understand unfamiliar technical concepts and images, Bailey’s determination and curiosity motivated her to teach herself electrical terminology and to create a pictorial key to electrical terms. This key not only equips future co-op students with a specialized vocabulary for recognizing intricate equipment in historical photographs, but also stands as a testament to Bailey’s commitment to self-directed learning and her valuable contributions to the library setting.
Bridging the Gap Between Academics and Work
During her co-op terms, Bailey connected the dots between academic theory at UBC iSchool and its application in the workplace. Insights from her management class came in handy, preparing Bailey for the professional complexities of running a library. She was exposed to the various challenges librarians faced, such as balancing budget constraints and managerial priorities. She also learned to embrace imperfection, a mindset she will be bringing back to her coursework. Bailey’s co-op experience was a hands-on introduction to the daily operations of a librarian, and joining weekly meetings and watching co-workers made it all feel tangible.
From Classroom to Co-op and Beyond
Bailey’s co-op experience significantly shifted her career perspective, now inclining towards records management after graduation. Bailey has learned so much about records management and corporate archives from her manager this past term, deepening her understanding of working in a professional environment. Now, she appreciates the appeal of managing documents and information in larger institutions. With a keen interest in system improvement, Bailey finds this work genuinely engaging and considers records management a rewarding career choice. Moreover, her supervisor’s endorsement that she will “make a fantastic upcoming records/information management professional” underscores Bailey’s potential and adds momentum to her evolving career journey.
About the iSchool Co-op Student of the Year Award
The Arts Co-op Program’s Student of the Year Award recognizes two co-op students in UBC iSchool (Library, Archival, and Information Studies). Two annual awards of $1,000 are available: one to a MLIS or dual student (who used their MLIS background on the co-op job) and the other to a MAS or dual student (who used their MAS background on the co-op job).
These annual awards recognize outstanding achievement in all aspects of the UBC iSchool co-op student’s performance, including academics, the workplace, and professional/community involvement.
Bailey Bjolin
Master of Library and Information Studies and Master of Archival Studies
2022/23 UBC iSchool MLIS Co-op Student of the Year
Bailey demonstrated her commitment to professional growth through two co-op terms at the BC Hydro Library and Archives (BCHLA), where she immersed herself in a corporate library environment. During the work terms, her tasks included digitizing 3,500 images in the Historical Photograph Collection, responding to research requests, and contributing to internal newsletters. She conducted research for an archival strategy, interviewing archivists, BC Hydro staff, and completing a literature review. Additionally, she handled daily operations, addressing patron inquiries, attending staff meetings, and carrying out library tasks. Bailey also showed adaptability and a high level of professionalism during organizational restructuring, when she provided basic onboarding assistance for new staff and support for the Corporate Librarian .
Bailey was recognized by Katie Sloan, her supervisor, for her “curiosity and desire to learn,” which made her a “natural fit working within a special library setting.” She demonstrated these qualities while digitizing the electrical series for the Historical Photograph Collection. Although she found it challenging to understand unfamiliar technical concepts and images, Bailey’s determination and curiosity motivated her to teach herself electrical terminology and to create a pictorial key to electrical terms. This key not only equips future co-op students with a specialized vocabulary for recognizing intricate equipment in historical photographs, but also stands as a testament to Bailey’s commitment to self-directed learning and her valuable contributions to the library setting.
Bridging the Gap Between Academics and Work
During her co-op terms, Bailey connected the dots between academic theory at UBC iSchool and its application in the workplace. Insights from her management class came in handy, preparing Bailey for the professional complexities of running a library. She was exposed to the various challenges librarians faced, such as balancing budget constraints and managerial priorities. She also learned to embrace imperfection, a mindset she will be bringing back to her coursework. Bailey’s co-op experience was a hands-on introduction to the daily operations of a librarian, and joining weekly meetings and watching co-workers made it all feel tangible.
From Classroom to Co-op and Beyond
Bailey’s co-op experience significantly shifted her career perspective, now inclining towards records management after graduation. Bailey has learned so much about records management and corporate archives from her manager this past term, deepening her understanding of working in a professional environment. Now, she appreciates the appeal of managing documents and information in larger institutions. With a keen interest in system improvement, Bailey finds this work genuinely engaging and considers records management a rewarding career choice. Moreover, her supervisor’s endorsement that she will “make a fantastic upcoming records/information management professional” underscores Bailey’s potential and adds momentum to her evolving career journey.
About the iSchool Co-op Student of the Year Award
The Arts Co-op Program’s Student of the Year Award recognizes two co-op students in UBC iSchool (Library, Archival, and Information Studies). Two annual awards of $1,000 are available: one to a MLIS or dual student (who used their MLIS background on the co-op job) and the other to a MAS or dual student (who used their MAS background on the co-op job).
These annual awards recognize outstanding achievement in all aspects of the UBC iSchool co-op student’s performance, including academics, the workplace, and professional/community involvement.