Final Reflections
As I’ve mentioned many times on this blog, I came into this program loving libraries, but not really sure where that put me as a LIS professional. Throughout my two courses this semester, I have learned a lot about the profession and where I would like to end up in the future. I have done a lot of research about the different areas of the LIS field that are possible futures for me and I have learned a lot from reading about my classmate’s experiences, whether they be from their current jobs as library professionals or from their experiences visiting different LIS Agencies.
A few of the main points that I discovered during my courses this semester:
I figured out that I am meant to be in the public library field, but I am uncertain of where specifically that may be. I have narrowed it down to music librarian (with much more schooling) or youth services librarian.
I know for certain that I do not want to work as a reference librarian.
I learned that gaining experiences from my classmates is extremely helpful. Everyone, especially in this program since we aren’t all in the same place, has different experiences that they can comment on that another might find useful.
I learned a lot from my visits to two different public libraries near my hometown. I got a sense for how they are run, how they are funded, and what types of things that I will need to do for my future to become an employee for a similar library.
My ideas and beliefs about the field have changed slightly, just in that I know realize that there are a ton of opportunities out there, not just becoming a librarian. I think that as time goes on, I will continue to see how things are changing and how libraries, much more than a lot of places, need to keep up with the changes so they can better serve their communities. From here, I think I will keep an optimistic outlook on the LIS field and will hopefully bring a lot of enthusiasm and knowledge to the field once I officially enter it.










