Suggestions for Corrupting LIS Students
er, I mean
I will be speaking to a class of library and information science students next week for about forty-five minutes. I have some ideas about things I would like to talk about, like the kinds of things I would want to know about my job if I were a student, and the professor has asked that I talk about how I use the things I learned in library school in my job, but I’d like some input from you. If you had to hear me ramble about my job and you’re someone who’s stuck in a core class in the first year of library school, what would you like me to address?
- what’s my typical day like
- what’s my weirdest duty
- what do I like the most
- what do I like the least
- do I use any knowledge I learned in library school
September 10th, 2004 at 10:53 am
1) How important it is for librarians to continue to learn – new search strategies, new technologies, new science – every day the rest of their lives. Library school provides a strong base, but you’re not done when the timer goes off. 2) Environmental scanning – every librarian, whether in a public library, academic, or special library needs to be scanning all areas for their organization, for their customers, for themselves 3) It’s really fun and rewarding.
Just some thoughts, IMHO.
September 10th, 2004 at 8:18 pm
Christina kind of said the same thing, but I would suggest talking about your professional development activities. For example, how you keep up to date with the current trends/issues, your involvement in professional organizations, etc. Definitely emphasize that they will need to be lifelong learners. I also would bring resources for the students on learning about the different career paths for librarianns-like a handout with information on the different professional organizations. I did a pathfinder in grad school on alternative paths for MLS graduates, if you’re interested!
I’m sure the students will be very intrigued by your job. It hasn’t been that long since I was a student, and I know I would have been very happy to hear about your experience!
September 14th, 2004 at 2:12 am
Ladies, you totally rock. I hadn’t thought to talk about staying up-to-date with the profession/lifelong learning, but I certainly will. Excellent suggestions, all!