Name
Hannah Lamb

Program and Location
ACM Newberry Library Seminar in the Humanities, Chicago

Academic focus while abroad?
The topic of the seminar in the fall of 2008 was “Memory and Community” and our class met three to four times a week, discussing common readings on the topic. About four or five weeks into the semester, class time lessened, and eventually fell away almost completely, so each student could focus on his or her independent research project. With access to the Newberry’s super-extensive holdings of primary sources, I wrote a lengthy research paper, and the semester ended with class presentations to the entire Newberry staff and resident scholars.

Why did you choose this program?
The topic of the program, general enough to encompass extremely varying research topics yet specific enough to engender truly interesting readings and debates, really sparked my interest in choosing this program over others. At Macalester, in different classes I had studied the overlap between memory, identity, and literature, but the Newberry seminar gave me a chance to focus on the theme. Debating between continuing my education in a PhD program, or a career in library science, also drew me to Newberry program. The ability to take one class, immerse myself fully in one topic of my own choosing, and the opportunity to live in Chicago for a whole semester made me apply.

What were the strongest aspects of your program?

Newberry library itself, the research librarians, archivists and resident scholars and fellows, represent the strongest academic portion of this program. They support this program and its participants, encouraging and guiding each student throughout the research process. Both the professors leading the seminar, and the Newberry staff, try to create a graduate school environment throughout the semester, giving students firsthand experience at what a masters or phd program might entail. Just as importantly, living in Chicago and exploring the city with my roommate and friends was an essential part of why I enjoyed my time.

What were the most challenging aspects of your program?
The “independent” side of the seminar, especially time management and planning of the research paper itself, challenged me, yet were also the most rewarding portions in the end. Also, Chicago itself distracted me and my friends a lot during the semester; it was really difficult to hole myself up in the library on a sunny day when I knew Lake Michigan was three blocks away.

What was your living situation like?
Small, one bedroom studio apartments (shared with another student) in the ritzy Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago, only three or four blocks from the red lin

Suggestions for future participants?
Work hard, plan ahead, don’t spend all of your time in the Newberry (no matter what other students may be doing) because Chicago in the fall is too great to miss, and escape the Gold Coast neighborhood nightlife whenever possible.

Back to Student Profiles