Hi all! I am Mahoghany Moore-Blue, a senior Criminal Justice major and English minor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I attend the illustrious Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University on a pre-law track and look forward to obtaining a Juris Doctor degree and a Masters in Library and Information Science upon graduation.

This past summer, I had the pleasure and opportunity to intern with Harvard Library, specializing in preservation and conservation. My internship allowed me to explore all my interests, leading to a weekly rotation at Harvard Law School Library. There, I shadowed research librarians and learned more about the field of law librarianship. Throughout my time at Harvard, I discovered my passion and natural aptitude for many library functions, including enclosures. My interest in enclosures led me to spend an extended time in Widener Library’s Collections Care Lab. The Collections Care Lab is home to both the Book and Enclosures labs.

I created various enclosures with help from Amanda Hope (Protective Enclosures Coordinator), such as cardstock wrappers and phase boxes. I also learned how to use the CoLibri Cover System, which inspired me to create a custom protective enclosure. I have plaster paw prints of my late pet, Panda that I wish to preserve. Amanda and I measured the plaster molds and created a fitted foam board to hold the molds in place once in a box. We ordered a box to fit the foam board we created, and the final product was beautiful.

My time in Collections Care was so impactful that I presented my work there as the final project for my internship. I was uncertain when I arrived at the Widener Lab, and I was relieved to find my niche and apply my knowledge to everyday life. I am immensely grateful for the time I spent in Cambridge, and I look forward to a career in Preservation and Conservation.