Yahir Brito is a rising senior at Vanderbilt University majoring in three fields of study: Medicine, Health and Society, History, and Communication of Science and Technology. He answered these questions about his 2025 summer internship with the Library of Congress.
Can you tell us about your background and academic interests?
I’m originally from Presidio, Texas, a small town on the U.S.–Mexico border. I'm passionate about effectively communicating science and medicine developments. I believe in storytelling as a tool to make research more inclusive, accessible and culturally relevant.
What inspired you to intern at the Library of Congress this summer?
Libraries have always resonated with me as places that preserve and amplify stories. The Library of Congress Internship (LOCI) Program offered a chance to contribute to national efforts in preserving digital knowledge and highlighting diverse voices in science, which aligns perfectly with my interests in equity and communication.
What were your primary responsibilities during the internship?
As a remote Research Assistant in the Science Section of the Researcher Engagement and General Collections Division, I focused on the Science Blogs Web Archive. My tasks included assessing the collection's scope, enhancing metadata for improved searchability and nominating new blogs, particularly from underrepresented voices, such as Latino, Indigenous and women scientists. I contributed to the Food & Foodways and Climate Change web archives, provided metadata via Digiboard, and participated in interviews for the Library's Inside Adams and The Signal blogs.
What was the most rewarding aspect of your internship?
One of the most gratifying parts was preserving the voices of diverse science communicators. Knowing that my contributions could help a future researcher or student discover valuable content is incredibly fulfilling. It was also exciting to see tangible outcomes, like improved metadata and updated collection descriptions that enhance public access.
In what ways has the LOCI Program influenced your personal and professional growth?
This internship has been transformative. I gained confidence in professional virtual settings, collaborated with multiple teams while managing deadlines across time zones and cultivated connections across various Library divisions. This broadened my perspective on public service and the importance of digital preservation.
Were there any surprises during your internship?
I was pleasantly surprised by the responsibility given to interns. I wasn't just an observer; I actively helped shape collections, suggested changes and represented my section in broader Library discussions. Falling in love with web archiving was also unexpected. I’ve become keenly aware of the power and fragility of digital stories and the vital role institutions like the Library of Congress play in protecting them.
How did working with TWC enhance your internship experience?
TWC provided essential structure, support and a strong peer community. It helped me align with my goals and offered professional development resources, enhancing my connections with other federal interns. The network and guidance from TWC made my experience even more impactful.
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