Through in-depth, year-long research projects of the interns, the Edmonton Public Library provides new MLIS graduates with the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects that advance EPL’s Strategic Directions and Business Plan. Original research has been conducted in a wide range of areas, and has informed EPL’s services in key ways (e.g. an assessment of customer questions translated into the establishment of digital literacy as a core service and an identification of key barriers has informed the ongoing development of EPL’s Community Led Service Philosophy). EPL’s workforce benefits from the energy and intellect of new graduates, the commitment to our local MLIS program provides employment in a competitive job-hunting environment, and the new graduates benefit from an unparalleled opportunity to start their professional careers.

Since the program’s inception in 2007, EPL has welcomed fifteen intern librarians, with two more beginning their internships in May 2015. Annually, the Deputy CEO and her staff brainstorm potential intern projects, and select two that have the most opportunity for meaningful research to advance EPL’s Business Plan. The two interns for 2015/2016 will conduct research on services to school-aged children and on workforce development services. Each intern produces a report and recommendations on their research project. After review, many recommendations are implemented. Interns present regular updates to EPL staff, and have published their findings and presented at conferences.

The work of EPL’s intern librarians drives many of EPL’s key decisions. Recent MLIS graduates have conducted research that has been pivotal in EPL’s future planning on topics ranging from Digital Public Spaces to Digital Literacy Service to 21st Century Library Spaces to Barriers to Service. The program has launched new librarians on successful career paths. A number have gone on to other positions with EPL; two became Digital Literacy Librarians, one has advanced to a position as Branch Manager, one became a Research and Assessment Librarian, and one a Digital Public Spaces Librarian. Others have gone on to successful positions with other public, government and academic libraries in Canada.