A Reflection on Library School
Download PDFDuring the time I’ve spent in Library School I’ve often heard it said that the MLIS program is not so much about learning the practice of librarianship as it is about learning the theory. While this is true of other professions, it is particularly poignant in the world of libraries, where paraprofessionals are increasingly taking on the duties and responsibilities of degreed librarians. Having already worked in a library and completed a Librarian Technician Certificate, I was familiar with the practical aspects of librarianship prior to starting my MLIS. Throughout my time at Dominican I’ve learned more about some of the practical aspects, but I’ve learned a great deal more about the theory of librarianship.
My Introduction to Library and Information Sciences course provided a wonderful overview of the library profession. The scope of the class was very broad. We covered the history of the profession, the ALA Bill of Rights, the importance of learning about the community you’re serving, the ways libraries are changing, how to remain relevant, and much more. This class got me really excited about becoming a librarian, and the possibilities that would be open to me once I finish school. I’ve included a number of works from this class in my portfolio because this class, more than any other, gave me a solid grounding in the principles of Library Science. The paper I wrote on the history and development of the Library of Congress made me appreciate the history of libraries, while the issues papers, “The L Word” and “The Things We Carry” made me consider the present and future of libraries. My issue paper on privacy was a result of my first real exposure to the ALA Bill of Rights and its importance in our field. From my past library experiences, I knew that privacy was a critical issue to librarians, but I didn’t understand just how important it was. A guarantee of privacy is an essential step in providing universal access to information. A patron who is too embarrassed or afraid to use a resource is no better off than a patron who doesn’t have access to that resource. My research paper on next-generation OPACs gave me an opportunity to explore a question I’ve had for many years: why OPACs can’t provide results that are as accurate and relevant as the likes of Amazon and Netflix. This is an issue I still struggle with, especially as a cataloger. While I still don’t know if or how this problem will be solved, I now have a better understanding of what some of the problems are. For one thing, Amazon and Netflix track every move I make on their website, while the library steadfastly protects my privacy. So though I may appreciate the fruits of Amazon’s data collection, I take great comfort in knowing that there remains at least one institution that respects my anonymity.
One of the most significant aspects of my introductory class was the night Dr. Marek went around the room and asked each student what she was reading. She stressed the importance of outside reading, being well read, and keeping up with current events. Though it is often difficult to find time for this while working full-time and going to graduate school, I have made an effort to read as many blogs, magazines and books as I can. I’ve learned a great deal from my outside reading, and I am constantly striving to learn about new topics.
Another professor who placed a great deal of emphasis on outside reading is Dr. Stephens, who I had for Internet Fundamentals and Design and Library 2.0 and Social Networking (now called Participatory Services and Emerging Technologies). It was in Library 2.0 and Social Networking that Dr. Stephens had us read and report on a context book. He provided an excellent list of books, largely focused on technology and society. I have read several of the books on his list, and plan to read several more. I used three of these books, Every Bad is Good For You, Grown Up Digital and Content, along with Mark Bauerlein’s The Dumbest Generation to write my research paper, The Digital Generation and Literacy, Learning, and Education. This was another research paper where I had the opportunity to explore a subject that interested me: the Millennial Generation. This generation, of which I am a member, has grown up with digital technology readily available. Because of this, the way they process and interact with information is radically different than previous generations. Some authors, like Don Tapscott and Steven Johnson believe that limitless access to information has made this generation smarter. Others, like Mark Bauerlein, believe that Millennials use these tools to chat with their friends and enjoy mindless entertainment while eschewing the cultural and historical learning that comes – in Bauerlein’s view – from books. I believe that digital technologies are tools that can be used to great advantage by Millennials. Like any tool, however, they must be used properly in order to yield good results. Librarians are in a great position to help today’s students learn how to master these tools and develop their information seeking skills.
Dr. Stephens’ classes also taught me a great deal about technology, social networking, and the future of online tools. I was pleasantly surprised by this, as I felt I was quite tech savvy to begin with. In fact, one of the reasons I got into Library Science is because I thought it would be a good field to use and expand my technical skills, while still being able to do other things and explore different interests. The classes I took with Dr. Stephens, especially Library 2.0 and Social Networking showed me that this was indeed the case. In this class I learned about new technologies such as augmented reality and QR codes, and how libraries are using these to engage users. I also completed a brand monitoring assignment in which I selected a library (Ann Arbor District Library) and monitored a number of social networking sites to see what people were saying about the library. This assignment made me realize both how difficult and how important it is for libraries and other organizations to pay attention to what’s being said about them. Social networks are where many people, including library users, spend a great deal of their time. It is important for libraries to have a presence there so they can know when patrons are disappointed with an old service or really excited about a new one. Libraries who don’t take advantage of these services are missing out on a great chance to learn about what people think of them and how they can better serve their community. Social networking is also a wonderful opportunity for libraries to share information with the public. While I was working on this project, for example, the Ann Arbor District Library was undergoing construction at one of their branches and used Twitter and Facebook to let people know when that branch was closed and when it would be reopening.
Though I have taken many good (and not so good) classes while at Dominican, my favorites have been those that focused on technology. I would like to eventually work in a position where I can use emerging technologies to connect with patrons in new ways. I’d also like a chance to expand on the web design skills I gained in Internet Fundamentals and Design. I plan on learning Drupal, along with PHP, jQuery, and more, so that I may be able to develop dynamic web services and content management systems within a library setting. I also plan to continue my outside reading. I already follow a number of technology, social media and web design blogs, and I’d like to devote more time to following new trends and learning about new things.
Looking back over my Library School experience, I would have to agree that my learning has been primarily theoretical. Practical learning and experience are extremely important for the day-to-day business of working in a library. My experience working as a cataloger has certainly shown me that there are some things that simply cannot be taught in a classroom setting and are best suited to on-the-job training. But the theory is not to be undersold. It has been the theory I learned in Library School, far more than the practical experience I’ve gained outside of school, that has gotten me excited about joining this profession. Library school taught me the importance of understanding and connecting with the community I serve. It taught me that it’s more important to think about how the patrons will use library services than how library staff will use them. It taught me about the ALA Bill of Rights, the values of librarianship, and the importance of upholding those values. These are the things that mark the difference between a librarian and a paraprofessional. Though Library School has been a long and arduous journey, it is one I’m grateful I undertook. I can’t wait to graduate and start putting all my theoretical knowledge into practice.