Beyond the Stacks: InfoSci Grad Student Jacqueline Lucas Explores Librarianship in Italy
Through an international internship at a historic public library in Orvieto, MLIS student Jacqueline Lucas discovered new perspectives on preserving cultural heritage, serving communities and connecting people with information.
Jacqueline Lucas, MLIS '27, enjoys Orvieto, Italy, where she served a library internship at Nuova Biblioteca Pubblica Luigi Fumi.
At the Nuova Biblioteca Pubblica Luigi Fumi in Orvieto, Italy, centuries of history coexist with the everyday rhythms of a modern public library. Historic collections sit alongside contemporary resources, while families, students and other residents gather for programs, research and conversation.
For College of Information Science graduate student Jacqueline Lucas, working in this setting offered a new perspective on the relationship between libraries, cultural heritage and the communities they serve.
Lucas, who expects to graduate in 2027 with a Master of Arts in Library and Information Science, spent summer 2026 interning at the library as part of her experience abroad through the Arizona in Orvieto program. The internship allowed her to apply her academic training in an international setting while learning how another country approaches information organization, preservation and public service.
“People are geared towards story. I wanted to see for myself what libraries and librarianship looks like outside of the United States,” Lucas says. “Libraries are deeply connected to the community they serve and I was very excited to see how another country goes about building community and curating their own stories.”
Where History Meets Modern Librarianship
Jacqueline Lucas at Nuova Biblioteca Pubblica Luigi Fumi in Orvieto, Italy.
During her internship, Lucas assisted with cataloging materials using Sebina library management software and Italian REICAT cataloging standards, supported reference services and observed the daily operations of an Italian public library.
The work drew directly on her graduate studies in information organization, cataloging, research methods and library services, while introducing her to different approaches and systems. It also strengthened her adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills and confidence working in an international environment.
But what stood out most was the relationship between the library’s historical significance and its continuing relevance to the people of Orvieto.
“One thing that surprised me is how seamlessly Italy balances modern life with the preservation of its history and cultural heritage,” Lucas says. “Historic buildings, traditions and centuries-old collections are not treated as untouchable exhibits but as living, integral parts of everyday life.”
That perspective was especially meaningful in a town where centuries of history remain visible in the architecture, streets and public spaces. At the library, Lucas saw how preserving cultural heritage and meeting contemporary information needs were not competing priorities, but complementary responsibilities.
She also witnessed the ways library staff fostered community through activities both formal and informal, from literacy programs for young families to everyday conversations with patrons.
“Whether it was a local resident or a curious visitor, everyone was met with a genuine ‘ciao’ or ‘buongiorno’” she recalls. “You could tell that the staff there poured their hearts into the space, making sure every person felt seen, welcomed and encouraged to explore.”
A Different Perspective on a Shared Mission
Experiencing librarianship in another country gave Lucas a broader understanding of the profession and reinforced her career ambitions.
She hopes to work in academic libraries, combining public service with technical services and information organization. Her experience in Orvieto demonstrated how those responsibilities intersect, and how library professionals adapt their practices to the needs and traditions of the communities they serve.
“Living abroad showed me that no matter the language or system, the heart of librarianship never changes. At their core, libraries everywhere are about bringing people together, holding onto our shared stories and making sure everyone has a place where they belong,” she says.
Jacqueline Lucas' internship in Orvieto also provided the opportunity to explore the rich history of Italy.
The internship also reshaped Lucas’ understanding of her own personal connection to Italy.
“I came to Italy hoping to connect with my lineage and walk in the footsteps of my ancestors. But I realized that heritage doesn’t just belong to the past—it’s something you actively create through daily routines, building community, making genuine connections and stepping into your own story,” she says.
For Lucas, the library became one of the clearest expressions of that realization. The welcoming atmosphere, conversations with colleagues and patrons, and opportunity to contribute to the life of the community brought new meaning to the professional principles she had studied in the classroom.
“As I continue my MLIS program, this internship reinforced why I want to work in libraries,” she says. “It reminded me that libraries are about much more than books—they bring people together, create a sense of belonging and strengthen the communities they serve.”
What began as an opportunity to study international librarianship ultimately gave Lucas a fuller understanding of the profession’s enduring purpose—and made the Nuova Biblioteca Pubblica Luigi Fumi her favorite place in Orvieto. And the hardest to leave.
Explore the Master of Arts in Library and Information Science and study abroad opportunities at the College of Information Science.