Final Thoughts

In just this first semester as a graduate student in the LIS program at Wayne State, I have learned more about the profession than I could have possibly hoped.  Because I so frequently went to the libraries in my hometown, community college, and university, I thought I had a good grasp on what kind of things a library represented and provided.  Little did I know, I had a lot of misconceptions about all of it.  My library back home was so small but since I had only ever been there for eighteen years of my life, I had nothing else to compare it to.  Coming to Mount Pleasant and being hired at the public library here made me realize how many more programs, technology, and even books that are offered at a library with a bigger district size and more money.  I learned that there is now an electronic library that has no physical books and while that would have terrified me a few months ago, now I understand that that kind of library would fit better in some communities than others.  We live in a world where technology is in almost every aspect of our every day lives and it would be silly and impossible to try and lag behind just because we are afraid of books or our jobs becoming obsolete.

Being of the generation that has grown up with a love of books along with technology, I feel that my fellow LIS students and I will have a good grasp on bringing a balance between the two to whichever libraries we choose to work at.  I hope that by doing this, we will be able to squash all of the rumors out there that libraries are becoming irrelevant or dying out.  I remember one of the most inspiring things was said to me this semester when I went to interview the Dean of Libraries at Central Michigan University.  The Dean asked me how I defined what a library was.  What did that word mean to me.  He told me that it was up to me and my generation of up and coming librarians to define it how we want and be thoughtful, creative, and innovative in our workplaces.  I think that's the main thing that has really changed for me throughout this semester.  The understanding of what a library is.  It used to just be a place for me to go and get books.  A quiet place where my sisters and brothers couldn't bother me because libraries were meant for being quiet and reading.  Now I know they encompass so much more than that.   Libraries really are the livelihood of some communities and contribute so many important resources to the surrounding people.  I think I am even more excited now than I was before to work in a library since I have a better understanding of how much I will truly be able to help people.

I think now that I have gone over and read through all of my blog posts leading up to this, and realizing how much I have already learned, I am very satisfied with how my first semester of this program went.  I met some really amazing people through group projects in both classes I was taking and I really hope that our relationships will grow as we take more classes together and do more projects.  I am excited to have gone through the process of recording my thoughts throughout this semester as I love going back and seeing how I have grown over time in my writing as well as my thought about school and the profession of being a library itself.  I plan on continuing to write in this blog so that someday after I have completed my schooling and work full time in a librarian position, I can look back and remember how passionate I was when I started this journey.

Revisiting Previous Assumptions

"My first assertion might surprise people--Books and libraries really are cool.
My second assertion is that not all librarians are old, cranky women.
The third assertion, and maybe the most important is that books and libraries will not become obsolete."

These three assertions can be seen in the very first entry of this journal.  Looking back I can tell just from these three statements that I have learned so much more about libraries and librarians that I really hadn't had previous knowledge on.  While I still will hold fast to the first two, my thoughts on the third assertion has changed quite a bit.  Do I think books will become obsolete? No, I don't think they will entirely, especially not in my lifetime.  I do realize though that when I said that libraries wouldn't become obsolete, I was thinking of them as a physical place filled with physical books.  This post was before I learned about the new electronic library in Texas or even before I could wrap my head around the huge amount of e-books, journals, etc. that can be found in online databases.  I think the reason for this is that I was too stubborn to accept that fact that physical books aren't always going to be the main resource in all libraries anymore.  It has been about four months that I have been working at my local public library in conjunction with going to school and learning about LIS as a discipline and a profession and I have already learned so much.

I almost wish that while taking LIS classes that you could spend a certain amount of time working in each of the different libraries so that you can truly know what each of them are like.  I know I went into this program set on working in a public library in young adult services.  Part of me still does want to do this but now I am truly aware of how much a people person you need to be when working in a public library.  I have had plenty of experience in customer service as I have previously worked as a cashier for five years but that doesn't mean that I always like dealing with impatient customers that get angry when life happens and blame whoever is in front of them trying to help. On top of that, teens and young adults can tend to get pretty rowdy in big groups so I would have to learn what the best way would be to manage them at programs and listen to all they had to say about school, class, boyfriends and girlfriends, etc.  I honestly love young adult literature though, and reading was always so important to me as a young person so even though it would probably be a challenge, I still really want to inspire young people to read and show them that libraries are cool places to hang out.

Overall I have learned so much more about libraries that I hadn't previously known.  I have learned about how important ethics are in this profession, that we are the ultimate service profession, that you really need to love people to work in a public library, and that the term library can mean so much more than a building with books in it.

Librarian Bloggers

Before this assignment, I can honestly say that I wasn't aware of the huge presence of librarians in social media.  I have recently become a part of Tumblr and found that there is actually a whole huge group called "Tumblarians," which is just like it sounds; a group of librarians that are very active on Tumblr.  I ended up following a wide variety of them because I found that they have a lot of interesting things to say and issues that they brought up.

Since I really became interested in this new found group on Tumblr, I decided to pick one blog from there in particular to really study what the blogger thought was important to share to the wide world of Tumblr.  One that caught my eye was The Life Guard Librarian (http://thelifeguardlibrarian.tumblr.com/).  Her name is Kate Tkacik and she works as a business librarian for the Bank of Montreal Business Research Group.  This immediately interested me because I really have no knowledge of business librarians and figured that I was surely to find out through her insight.  Tkacik's posts are regularly current and she posts on a wide variety of topics such as college research and how it isn't up to par even with the extensive amount of research they should be doing as well as recent conferences she has been to and what went on during them.  She also mentions things about her day-to-day work at the office like how she recently had to learn Westlaw, which I learned was a huge online legal research database.  

One aspect that I really liked about this blog was that she seemed very passionate about gathering librarians to join the "Tumblarian" list so that librarians all over Tumblr could connect with one another to share thoughts, concerns, etc.  Having just started schooling for becoming a librarian, I feel that I am still in the dark when it comes to important issues within the profession and I feel like joining this group on Tumblr will keep me updated with current issues as well as allowing me to make connections with fellow librarians from all over the world!

The second blog that I followed over the past few weeks was called Annoyed Librarian which seemed to be closely affiliated with the Library Journal.  Although the About Me tab doesn't give a name, it mentions she is a woman and a blurb that I found to be most amusing read, "She has no other interest than to bring her wit and wisdom to the huddled librarian masses yearning to breathe free."  As the name suggests, her posts have a more serious tone than that of the Life Guard Librarian.  Within the last week she has been posting a lot about what has been going on with ALA.  She talked about how she didn't know why the ALA was "shocked" when Representative Paul Ryan recommended eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services and then also about the upcoming ALA conference and how they need to address things that actually have to do with libraries.  Never having gone to an ALA conference myself, I would have figured issues about libraries should be the biggest concern.  It was interesting to find out they can get off track and issues such as blaming prison libraries for the low literacy rates of prisoners, even though they came into the prisons already at a low reading level.  

When you first think of how the blog is dubbed "Annoyed Librarian" some could assume that the posts would just long rants about everything this particular hates about being a librarian or what the profession holds.  Instead she offers up valid arguments and things that do get under her skin and then takes the time to explain why.  It's one thing to just make a list of things you hate but another to take the next step further and talk about why the issues annoy you and perhaps even give insightful suggestions on how to change things.

http:///lj.libraryjournal.com/blogs/annoyedlibrarian/

Overall I found these two blogs to be very eye opening into the world of librarianship.  I am glad to have stumbled onto the Tumblarian group and hope that these librarians will continually posting about relevant issues in the field so that I can be kept up to date and will begin to start thinking to my own future career and how I want to stay relevant and innovative.

Journals of our Profession

Journal #1- Journal of Education for Library and Information Science

a. The intended audience seems to be students in the LIS program as well as those that are professors and faculty in the program.

b. The journal publishes research papers, some of which have won awards at conferences.  They are about topics such as collaboration in an academic context, barriers, challenges, or strengths of iSchool education, and the overall breadth and depth of the LIS program.

c. This journal is peer-reviewed.  This is important because the reader knows that this material has been already gone over by peers which gives the research more credentials.  For this journal in particular, there are a few articles that have been given awards at conferences by the authors peers so it is apparent that those articles in particular are well written and have important issues.

d.  I find this journal interesting because it gives me better insight into the actual program that I am a part of.  It talked about how others felt about different aspects of if the online program is or is not working, even research about how social networking sites are being used by the students in the LIS program to work together and connect.  Since I am just focusing on the classes themselves right now, it was interesting to see others' behind-the-scenes perspectives and thoughts about the overall program.

Journal #2- Library Trends

a. This journal can be for current librarians, students currently in the LIS program, and even in some cases, parents of those that frequently attend libraries or should start.

b. Library Trends posts articles about relevant new trends and events in libraries. One example  includes a Harry Potter event in an academic library which not only promotes "co-curricular involvement" but also the promotion of the library and staff (Broussard, 2013, pg. 815).  Several other articles were about the presence of games and gaming in libraries and how play with story time could encourage the development of critical comprehension, coping with stress, and better social skills. (Powell, 2013).

c.  Library Trends is not peer-reviewed.  This doesn't really seem like it would be a problem in the case of this journal because trends aren't something that exactly need to be researched.  Trends can be seen in plain sight and don't always need to be explained.  This journal just reports on what kinds of events and programs that seem to be working currently in libraries so that others in the profession or general public can be aware.  While there are research done in some of the articles, it seems like the overall purpose is just to inform and think about how trends change and what things are working or not working in libraries to draw people in.

d.  I find this journal interesting because libraries can come in so many different shapes and sizes.  An academic library is different from a medical library which is also different from a public library.  In these articles, one can see if there are common trends in these different libraries or those that are different.  Being from a smaller town, I'm not always aware of what libraries in big cities focus on to bring in adults and children alike so these articles give me a peek into what is popular in different sized libraries as well as how they decide to go about things like educating the public and encouraging them to read.

Broussard, Mary J. Snyder. (2013). "No Muggles in the Library Tonight! Harry Potter Night at an            Academic Library." Library Trends, 61(4), 814-824. doi: 10. 1353/lib.2013.0017

Powell, Annemarie. (2013). "Get in the Game: Encouraging Play and Game Creation to                       Develop New Literacies in the Library." Library Trends, 61(4), 836-848. doi: 10.                           1353/lib.2013.0011

Similarities and Differences

Both of these journals would be truly useful to anyone that is either in the LIS program, or who is already a librarian.  It is important for both of these groups to be aware of the current education and if and/or how things are evolving so that they can keep their own knowledge relevant to today's teachings and technology.  The same is true of the trends that can be found in actual libraries.  Librarians need to keep up with trends to keep people coming to their libraries and for them to stay involved.  Students also need to become aware of the trends so that they will be able to more smoothly transition into their desired position in a library.  If they aren't well versed on what kinds of books the young people are reading, or knowledgeable on the technology that helpful classes are being offered for, they aren't going to be able to contribute to the best of their ability.

The main difference in the journals seems to be the nature of the research and articles presented in both journals.  As mentioned above, the articles in the Journal of Education for Library and Information Science were peer-reviewed and several of them had even won awards at conferences which seemed to give them more credentials when it came to the research presented.  The information in the Library Trends journal, while still important, really just reflected on peoples thoughts in the profession on what was currently working and what wasn't.  I think that just says that there are various aspects to the LIS field and that whether you are looking for statistics and cold hard facts or just a collection of books that has been working well at a library, you will be able to find it.

Mid-Semester Check In

Before this semester, the only other blog I faithfully kept up with was a fitness one with two of my best friends. It was a blog purely for fun and keeping in touch with one another.  Blogging for this class has been a new experience for me because I have been writing purely about me; my professional opinions on the LIS profession, my dream job preference, and personal objectives for this class.  

Looking back through all of my posts, I realized that in almost every single one, I have mentioned my love for children's and young adult literature.  A couple weeks ago after getting through a significant chunk of the first half of this semester, I wondered if public libraries were really up to par with what I really wanted to spend the rest of my life doing in a library.  Finding that "dream job" dealing with children's and young adult literature as well as being in an academic library made me realize that the job possibilities in the LIS field are so numerous.  Throughout the course of this semester and even the different explorations I have gone through this this journal, I have learned so much more about libraries than I had ever known previously.  Although I really have never doubted my career choice since starting on the path, I am glad to find that these posts have really continued fueled my passion for this profession.


I am excited for the next half of the semester because of the upcoming discussions about banned book week, censorship, and my groups next Think Tank article.  Since I am interested in books for young people, I am also very aware that those are usually the most challenged in schools and even libraries.  Although I know that the parents/ people that challenge these books usually just want to "protect" children, most aren't giving those young people the credit they deserve when it comes to being able to handle those books.  In my next Think Tank article, a group of publishers posed naked, covered only by books, to protest a challenge made on a book for young people about naked bodies.  While I don't think I would ever be brave enough to make a bold statement like that, I can appreciate what they did in the name of speaking against censorship. 

Overall I really appreciate how these journal entries and our discussion posts get me thinking about issues such as professionalism, ethics, and even looking to see what kind of dream job I could find.  I look forward to continuing on with my journey and I hope to keep learning more about myself and my professional goals.

Achieving Said Dream Job

Not only is finding that dream job important, but also knowing that the required skill set and competency requirements that are required by the job can be met.  When going into that first interview with that dream company, it isn't realistic not have done any research on the place first.  Chances are they will ask you about their company; why you want to work there, what aspects of it drew you into applying, what changes you could/ would want to make, etc.

Below are the requirements for the job that I posted about last time:

Required: ALA-accredited master’s degree in library or information science or international equivalent. Ability to develop a compelling vision for the Youth Collection and its services. Second graduate degree. Library experience. Demonstrated knowledge of trends and issues in children’s and young adult literature. Ability to work in a team environment and build positive working relationships with library peers and campus colleagues. Excellent communication skills. Commitment to provide high-quality library services and resources to students and faculty.

Even though I can't presently meet the requirement of having my ALA-accredited MLIS, there are other skills and competencies that I can presently meet while I am on my journey to completing my MLIS through Wayne State.  As I have previously mentioned, I am currently employed at Veteran's Memorial Library in Mount Pleasant, MI.  Along with my computer page job that I originally got hired in for, I was just offered a position as a circulation page as well.  This means that not only will I be getting experience with patrons in a computer lab and at the help desk, but I will also now be learning how to shelve books and work with customers at the main desk.  Along with those two jobs I have also volunteered with the same library and my library back home in the Upper Peninsula.  Overall I would definitely say that I am well on my way to gaining a good amount of library experience.

When it comes to demonstrating knowledge of trends and issues in children's and young adult literature, I can also happily say that I have experience in that area as well.  Having received my Undergrad in Children's and Young Adult Literature specifically, I spent a lot of time reading books for all ages of young people and learned about a lot of current issues in the markets of both kinds of books.  I have become very passionate when it comes to the making and quality of children's books as well as issues of censorship which can unfortunately be found too often in books for children and young adults.  Because of those classes I took at Central, Young Adult literature has become one of my favorite groupings of books to read.  I can confidently say that I am very aware of the current trends and would be able to build up a pretty solid collection because of that experience.

Finally, after having worked in the food and beverage industry for five years and now at a library, I can definitely say that I have accumulated a good amount of customer service skills.  I have worked with many groups of people, whether that be fellow cashiers/pages and customers galore.  I firmly believe that there is always room for improvement in the areas of customer service and team building, but I am confident that I have a good foundation for the needs of this job.

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One thing I know that I would have to work on though, would be the second graduate degree.  My second step towards achieving my goal of getting a job like this, after finishing my MLIS and certificate in Children's and Young Adult Services within a public library, would be to go back to school and get a Masters or even PhD in English Literature with a concentration in Children's and Young Adult Lit.  First of all it would just be enjoyable to me since I love books in that age range but second of all, I know that degree would help me immensely when it came to collection development and staying with current trends.  Knowing that children and young adults are so malleable, it is important for me to give them the best tools and knowledge to grow up to be successful adults.  Books aren't important to all young people but they make a world of different to others and I want to make sure my collection is top notch.

With all of that being said, I don't really think I would need to revise my goals and objectives.  The only major issue would be that second graduate degree, and while I would absolutely love to get it, I need to first focus on my MLIS and then possibly go back to get the other one if needed and still wanted.

Dream Job--Part 1

Several weeks have gone by since I have started my job at the local public library in Mount Pleasant and I have learned a lot of things about public libraries that I had not previously known.  I still love being here and I don't think my love of a public library's atmosphere will ever change.  However, lately I have been really thinking about whether or not the career path I have in mind will be one I will be satisfied with for the rest of my life.  When I saw that this weeks journal post was about taking a chance to search for our dream, I figured this would be a great opportunity to seriously take a look at the job offers currently out there to see if the job skills, competencies, and working environments out there were ones that piqued my interest. 

After looking through about six pages of job listings on the ALA website, I came across one that I think could really be a job that I would love doing.

University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Salary: Not Specified
Status: Full-time
Posted: 02/05/14
Deadline: 03/09/14
Youth Services Librarian
Rod Library The University of Northern Iowa seeks a tenure-track Youth Services Librarian beginning August 2014. Required: ALA-accredited master’s degree in library or information science or international equivalent. Ability to develop a compelling vision for the Youth Collection and its services. Second graduate degree. Library experience. Demonstrated knowledge of trends and issues in children’s and young adult literature. Ability to work in a team environment and build positive working relationships with library peers and campus colleagues. Excellent communication skills. Commitment to provide high-quality library services and resources to students and faculty.

This job seems like it could be the best of both worlds to me--I would still be working with Youth Services but it would be in a University setting.  Spending three years at CMU I have come to really love their huge Park Library and have recently been thinking about whether or not an academic library would be a better fit for me as a future career.  With this job I could work with building a Youth Collection (which would be amazing because I love Y.A. lit) and still be working with people at a University level.

When it comes to the second graduate degree I would definitely get one in Children's and Young Adult literature.  That is what I got my BS in and those last two semesters I had were so amazing.  If I wasn't so passionate about working in a library system I would seriously consider becoming a college English professor.  With that second degree, I could not only gain more knowledge when it came to building up my knowledge of trends and issues in said literature, it would just be something I was truly interested in.  Honestly, writing about this actually makes me want to find a job exactly like this in the future.

The requirements are just what I would expect in a job like this and seem quite manageable.  The classes I am currently in now, especially this class in particular, have been teaching me more and more about working with a team, especially when none of us are able to physically meet.  While it can be challenging sometimes, it's rewarding when you are able to come together and accomplish a team project, knowing you are all so far away.  I also believe that my current experience at the library I work at will continue to help me when it comes to building positive working relationships with other coworkers in the library and on the rest of the campus.  It 's easy to see how quickly things can go downhill when not everyone is on the same page.

Overall this journal really got me thinking and made me even more excited for the future.  I know that an exact job like this may not be available when I graduate with my degree, and that it would involve me getting another degree anyway, but it is food for thought.  It is a reminder that there really are jobs out there that fit to your liking and that you don't always need to settle for something you really don't want to do.  Hopefully I can expect this to happen in my very own future.

Cheers.