#public librarianship

[abigaillphillips]

I did an observation at some teen programming tonight at a public library. I had some weird PTSD programming flashbacks.

[dearlibriary]

Introduction

Dear Libriary,

You are my libriary [libr-iary / library diary], an account of my journey in librarianship.

Technically this journey began four and a half years ago in the early spring of 2021 when I made an uninformed decision completely unaligned with any of my dreams or aspirations. I decided to go to library school. Library school is a colloquial term for a Masters in Library and Information Science, the degree that is generally required to be librarian.

My original plan, mind you, was to get my Masters, or maybe even PhD in English Lit. Then I would become a college professor. But I was sorely underprepared for the rigorous application process and, quite frankly, I gave up. An old college professor, the person I essentially wish I could be (cold, beautiful, brilliant, accomplished) told me about the LIS program at the university and suggested I do it in tandem with my Lit PhD. I ended up only applying to LIS program. It was an easier process. And I got in.

I won't hash it all out right here, right now, but essentially the next two years was a blur or school, work, and a handful of life events. It was, in general, an extremely unpleasant time in life. That brings us to late summer 2023. I had graduated, was working at a full-time, dead end library job, and desperately looking for a job. More unpleasantness, more life events, more decisions completely unaligned with any of my dreams or aspirations and it's been another year. I am living with other people for the first time in five years. I am starting my first librarian job in two weeks (that's where you come in, libriary).

Upon reflection, I'll admit I'm in a better situation than I was when all of this started. I have a robust social support system. I can save money. There is a possibility that I am starting a career, *my career* finally. There is a possibility that I can start to build a life for myself that is aligned with my dreams and aspirations.

ttyl.

Love, Hannah

[jonathanpongratz]

Something Grad School This Way Comes

Something Grad School This Way Comes

Hello Blogiverse! Unlike the majority of my posts, this has nothing to do with anything bookish (unless you count textbooks, ick!). Instead, I’m simply letting everyone know that another semester of grad school approaches for me. My life is about to get very busy! If you aren’t familiar with my journey, I’m going to school to get my MLIS degree in public librarianship. I’ve completed two…

View On WordPress

[suddenlyalive]

People in colonial days were readers, and they found ways to have access to more books than they could afford individually. These habits created a context for the development of common access to books and reading materials.

Kathleen de la Peña McCook

[great-in-the-stacks]

What's great about knowing what I want to do with my degree*: I know what kind of courses and practicums I ought to go after; I have an increased sense of purpose and drive to finish the program; I have a more concrete idea of specific jobs and work environments to pursue. What's not so great about knowing what I want to do with my degree: I am always fully aware that I am going to spend a good part of my adult life either unemployed or underpaid. * Public librarian, preferably in a low-income area, with a specific focus on children's and YA literature.

[thecardiganlibrarian]

la bibliotecaria the library assistant

A self-styled superhero among librarians.

1. Can you tell us about your current position?

I currently work as a public library assistant. I get to do a bit of everything - work the circ desk, plan programs, do a bit of collection development. I am fortunate enough to have a library director that encourages us to share ideas and do things that interest us. I also work as a teaching assistant for an undergraduate bioinformatics course that my library school adviser teaches. I grade papers and answer questions, pick articles for the reading list, and make tutorials as necessary.

2. How did you get into librarianship?

I had no library experience when I started my program. I had been looking to go back to school for about five years. I came across some librarian job postings while my husband was looking for work, and I decided that this field was what I'd been looking for.  I started UNT's program, and got my current public library position a few months later.  

3. What work training and education did you have to prepare you for this career?

I'm hoping to get into a position at a medical or academic science library. I studied biology as an undergrad, and I worked for 5 years in the veterinary and environmental fields before starting library school. While at previous jobs, I did some library-related things without realizing it. I created databases, did research, and helped out a lot with web and social media content. While in school, I did an internship in a medical library.

4. What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of the field?

 I enjoy being able to do new things and being in a field that is so creative. I also enjoy being around librarians in general. They're always willing to help or give advice, and they're fun! Right now, my least favorite aspect is the current job market.

5. What is your advice for readers interested in librarianship?

 If you're already working in a library, always be on the lookout for opportunities to help out and gain some different skills. If not, find a volunteer opportunity that interests you. Get a mentor (or two) if you don't already have one. These things are especially important if you do your schooling online, like I did. Keep an eye out for opportunities for student awards and scholarships for conferences, too. 

la bibliotecaria writes about her adventures in adulthood, library hijinks, and many interests, at her tumblr here.