As part of the Westerville Public Library's strategic plan, staff members have been working to develop an internship program designed to attract diverse candidates and expose more individuals to careers in library service.
Amber P, an accounting and math major at Otterbein University, began her internship with the Marketing team in August 2025. One of her first assignments was to use the library's Innovation Lab to take a professional portrait. This service is available to all patrons and provided her with a real-life experience to help guide her marketing strategy in her internship role. Below is a description of her experience in her own words.
"Prior to starting my position as an intern, the existence of an Innovation Lab did not occur to me. Now that I work towards getting an experience involving the business within a public library, I was assigned to schedule a headshot at the Innovation Lab, I first discovered this impactful resource when touring on my first day on the job, being informed that I will have to explore the space. But the process was foggy in my brain until I had my first Innovation Lab headshot!
I came in one Friday at 8:45 am to start my shift with logging in and checking my assigned ticket order, The first one I chose was "Schedule headshot in Innovation Lab", There were only a few simple steps I had to follow: 1) book on the digital creation website, 2) take notes about the process of booking, and 3) share that experience with the Marketing Team. Going upon the sign-up website, I picked the earliest appointment at 9am and filled out the relevant information needed.
It was all straight-forward!
I strolled down from the office and walked towards the main library area to follow the Innovation Lab arrows upstairs. Arriving from the last stair, I will admit that I was so curious that I took a peek actually inside the lab to see if any workers were available, despite the library not being open to customers yet. The Staples-vibes white-colored room was vacant of people, but I heard a greeting from the Help Desk once I stepped out. I mentioned what I was here for and who I am, and the kind lady who greeted me turned out to be the Innovation Lab Supervisor, Adrien. She led me to back corner of the lab where the photography booth was, had me stand in a businesswoman looking position, and after several attempts, managed to take my headshot with a black camera.
Once she picked my official headshot, I was quite pleased! As flattered as I was for her to make complements how beautiful I looked in the portrait, I thought the headshot itself was good looking.
As someone who grew up insecure about school pictures and even with a few LinkedIn headshots, I was satisfied with the results! Suddenly, this one headshot assignment sprouted curiosity to learn more about the Innovation Lab!
So, we agreed for me to have a tour by 11am around this resource for me to learn and give my professional looking headshot a meaning about me willing to learn and give creative suggestions.
Once the clock struck 11am, I met up with Adrien to get a bigger glimpse as to what the library's Innovation Lab had to offer. Even with its technological atmosphere and graphic design feeling, I learned about the tutoring sessions being held, the settings of regular and 3d printing available (cheap pricing was included), and even opportunities to use the recording booth! Gosh, I would not have any clue that instruments sit in the recording booth!"
Thank you, Amber, for sharing about your experience with us! Interested in taking a headshot with equipment at the library? Book now.
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