HPL’s Digital Library Lab (DLL) welcomes Elviana Guterres as its summer intern. Elviana, or Via for short, will be with the Library’s digital lab through the end of August. The DLL@HPL is a 1,900 square foot photography and digitization lab offering a full range of digitization services for for-profit and non-profit customers.
Via is a rising sophomore at Trinity College. She is from Timor-Leste, studied abroad in Hong Kong and attending Trinity College marks her first time in the United States. She intends on double majoring in Urban Studies and Environmental Science. When asked why she wants to go into that field, she replied “I am passionate about sustainability and interested in understanding the complexities of urban environments. By studying these disciplines, I hope to contribute to creating more sustainable cities and addressing environmental challenges.”
Via has a passion for photography and is looking forward to taking some photography classes this upcoming school year. “One exciting aspect of working at the Digital Library Lab in Hartford Public Library is the opportunity to leverage cutting-edge technology and collaborate with experts to digitize, preserve, and provide global access to valuable digital collections. I am also interested in Photography; therefore, I am excited to be able to apply the skills in DLL and learn at the same time.” Via said.
The DLL team is delighted to have such a bright and passionate intern this summer. When asked what’s next for Via, she said “I also dream of opening a public library in my country, Timor-Leste, because we don’t have one.”
To learn more about the DLL@HPL on their website: https://www.hplct.org/library-services/dll/
Our Communications and Marketing Director, Jess Emonds, had a chance to sit down with Via her first week with the DLL. Read the full interview below!
What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Elviana Guterres, and I am from Timor-Leste. This is my first time in the United States!
That’s awesome! How are you liking it so far?
It’s great. It’s different, but I’m enjoying my time here. The country has a vibrant energy, and there are many things to see here. I’ve already visited iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and prominent universities like Harvard University, which left me in awe. Overall, I’m having a fantastic experience and looking forward to discovering more of what the United States offers.
Where are you going to school, what’s your major and what year are you?
I’m a rising sophomore at Trinity College here in Hartford. I am intending to double major in Urban Studies and Environmental Science. I am passionate about sustainability and interested in understanding the complexities of urban environments. By studying these disciplines, I hope to contribute to creating more sustainable cities and addressing environmental challenges.
That’s really important work. What is one thing that excited you most about working at HPL?
One exciting aspect of working at the Digital Library Lab in Hartford Public Library is the opportunity to leverage cutting-edge technology and collaborate with experts to digitize, preserve, and provide global access to valuable digital collections. I am also interested in Photography; therefore, I am excited to be able to apply the skills in DLL and learn at the same time.
Super cool. I have a love of photography as well. Can you tell me about your favorite library memory?
I studied abroad at United World College Li Po Chun Hong Kong. I did the International Baccalaureate (IB), which is considered one of the most challenging school curricula. I remember I pulled all-nighters to write 4000 words of an extended essay at our school library.
Will you share what you are currently reading?
I am currently reading Designing your life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans and Brainscape by Rebecca Schwarzlose
What’s next for you?
Next semester, I am looking forward to taking some photography classes and am excited to take a documentary film class. I also recently applied for a grant to purchase a camera and start documenting my life. I also dream of opening a public library in my country, Timor-Leste, because we don’t have one.