Welcome to Our New Intern, Kaylee!

We are happy to share that Kaylee Tokumi, a student in UH Manoa’s Library & Information Science graduate program, will be an intern at our library for the Spring 2025 semester. We’ve asked Kaylee to complete this introductory interview so that you can get to know her. Find out more about her below and if you see her around campus, be sure to say “hello!”

Please tell us about yourself, Kaylee.

Thank you for having me! I’m so excited for the opportunity to intern at the James and Abigail Campbell Library. I’m currently a graduate student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa under the Library and Information Science Program. I completed my undergraduate studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, where I earned a degree in English and Psychology with a minor in Asian and Pacific Studies. During my free time, I like to illustrate traditionally and digitally. Right now, my favorite tools are acrylic markers, watercolor paints, and my Apple Pencil.

What inspired you to pursue a career in library and information science, and what excites you most about the field?

I’ve been an avid library enthusiast since I was a child. My family and I used to visit the different public libraries across Oʻahu on weekends just for fun.

I didn’t get my first job in a library until I moved to California for my undergraduate studies. I worked as a student assistant to the Outreach and Engagement Department at the William H. Hannon Library. Working at the library was the highlight of my college experience. We hosted an annual haunted house, faculty and community speaker events, and exhibit receptions with tasty food. I hadn’t realized that libraries could serve as community centers, and it was exciting to see how the library was encouraging students to interact with learning in such creative ways. After graduating, I returned home and decided that I want to pursue a career in librarianship.

What are some of your professional interests or the areas of librarianship that you are most passionate about?

I’m excited to bring my enthusiasm for library programming and outreach to Hawaiʻi. I feel that libraries are still an underutilized resource. There are so many free resources and space just waiting for students.

I also like researching. It’s fun to learn about topics in-depth and build upon my collections of personal knowledge.

What do you hope to learn or accomplish during your internship at the James & Abigail Campbell Library?

I want to learn about the behind the scenes operations of an academic library. How do librarians support classroom content and research? What are some of the unique challenges librarians face in a university setting? How are libraries supporting digital needs? Though I’ve read about many of these topics in our textbooks, I’m excited to find answers in the real world.

Can you share a favorite book or author that has influenced you personally or professionally?

I used to be obsessed with the Warriors series by Erin Hunter in middle school. The books were fast-paced and followed rival clans of cats as they fought to survive in the forest. I would read every book multiple times, make my own fan stories, and create artwork of the characters. When I look back at some of my old fan content, I’m somewhat embarrassed by my overzealousness, but Warriors definitely influenced my passion for books.

What’s one fun fact about yourself that you’d like our campus community to know?

I work at the Leeward Community College Library as a circulation assistant. I helped to design most of the displays in the lobby entrance. Please stop by if you’re ever in the area!