Luca Filippi, Information & Library Studies Student

Category: Meet our Members

This blog is part of our Meet Our Members series, focusing on different members and their careers.

Myself in Glen Coe after having hiked up a Munro! (2019)

Hello friends! My name is Luca Filippi and I am a postgraduate student studying MSc Information & Library Studies at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. I am only three months into the course, but I am loving every minute of it!

I first developed an interest in librarianship while pursuing an undergraduate degree in history where I spent my final year researching the history of piracy. During my final year I picked up an evening job at the university library which gave me a behind-the-scenes look at the importance of academic library work.

What most attracted me to the course at Strathclyde was the opportunity to do a placement in a library environment. From next semester I will be spending one day per week at the health library in the Glasgow Royal infirmary. I have a particular interest in health libraries, and I recently had the opportunity to shadow library staff at the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford which is attached to the historic Bodleian Libraries. Going into librarianship is certainly different to my career goals when I left high school, which I am unashamed to admit was to become an astronaut.

As a student my days are incredibly varied. Contact time is roughly fifteen hours per week, and this is split between lectures and practical sessions in computer labs. The course can be challenging, especially when you have to manage multiple assignments alongside other commitments. However, what I love most about the course is the other students you meet along the way. When you work in a group project for instance, each member has their own interesting perspective or idea to contribute. There is also a Facebook group for students on the course where we have organised social events like a librarian’s film night! Moving to the big city was a very different experience from the small town in Oxfordshire where I grew up, so social events like these were very helpful in settling in!

As a Computer and Information Sciences student you will get to experience views like this from the top of Livingston Tower!

I joined CILIP as a student member when I began my course and it was a great decision. Not only has CILIP been essential in keeping me informed of the latest developments in the sector, but it has also been crucial in developing my personal network through regular events. I recently attended an evening event where professionals from different information sectors spoke about their role. It was interesting to see the numerous options there are with a degree in information science!

When I am not studying, I really enjoy hiking and I have been a member of the mountaineering club since I arrived at Strathclyde! Joining the club has been a great way to see some of the most spectacular sights across Scotland. Alongside my studies I am also employed part-time at Strathclyde Students’ Union where I am currently working on projects to enhance the student experience.

If there is anyone interested in studying a library studies course, I would strongly recommend the one at Strathclyde. The opportunity to gain experience through a placement is invaluable, and the options are very diverse. I would also advise people to look at the different scholarships that are available. There are a few that you could be eligible for, and having a scholarship made the course a lot more affordable. If you want to know more about the course from a student’s perspective, I am happy for you to get in touch with me via email (l.filippi271@gmail.com) or Twitter (@LucaFilippi_)!