Introduction to Library School
I have learned a lot from IRLS 504- Foundation of Library and Information Science. What I learned the most was the class motto “I now know that there is so much that I do not know.” I began the class with a set notion that I wanted to be a children’s librarian for a public library. Throughout the class I learned that there are more options then I realized and it has made me open to the possibility that my goals may change. While I am still interested in being a children’s librarian I would also like to explore the roles of corporate or archival librarians.
Having worked in a public library for the last four years, I often see the role of libraries only from that view. This class has helped me re-shift that focus to see the role of libraries from various views. This is something that I will need to work hard to retain. I need to see libraries in broad roles and how they affect their communities so that I will be able to get the most out of my SIRLS experience. I have learned that libraries, no matter what kind, serve their communities and need to change and adapt to their communities need. It was mentioned several times that libraries are only useful if they are being used. It is easy to tell the public what they want but it is more important to actually understand what the public wants and provide that service. It is not only about the information given, but about the atmosphere as well. While often time libraries want to maintain the image that we are a place for research and information, it is easy to overlook that this is may not be the only things that the public wants. If the public wants their library to be a more social gathering spot with comfortable seating along with study spots then the library must recognize this need and provide these things. But providing what the public wants has its controversy.
One of the main issues impacting libraries today is keeping up the needs of its users while dealing with constraining budgets. Society is becoming more multi-media and multi-tasking and they require information given to them in a variety of ways. Libraries also deal with a huge population of people who all want different information. This brings about the issue that while we want to please everybody libraries simply do not have the money. They must decide how to spend their budget to please the majority. They cannot provide endless computers, databases, books, periodicals and other resources. I think the balance of resources and professional support to those resources is one that is in jeopardy. There is an alarming trend to provide less staff in order to provide more resources. The system I currently work for has cut back on their librarians in branches and replace them with circulation staff. The thought being support staff can provide general information and teach users to be self-reliant and if there is a question they cannot handle then they will either call a librarian at another branch or fill out a subject request slip. Having spoken to classmates and through various readings, I see that my system is not an isolated case.
Through the teachings of 504 I have seen how this trend will have a bigger impact than I originally thought. While everybody has the ability to use Google it is not a reliable search tool for information. The goal for librarians is to provide not only information but to provide correct information. Searching is a skill it is not luck. I have learned beginning techniques to help me with searching but am far from being a professional searcher. I have learned the value of controlled vocabulary and advance searches. The surface level of the Internet does not have the answers for all questions. I realize that in order to choose a career path I need to see how this issue impacts libraries other than public libraries.
I truly enjoyed learning the history of libraries and librarians. I found it fascinating the evolution of librarians from gatekeepers to mediators of knowledge. This was not something that I thought much about in the past. I think learning the history of one’s profession will help keep a more open mind to the future. The history of libraries helps show how libraries are constantly changing and are not the stagnant fixtures many perceive them to be. The OCLC report, Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources, only confirmed the fact that the public has a hard time seeing libraries evolve. Many still see it only as a place for books. I think it will be a challenge for libraries of all types to fight this stereotype. Advertising what the library has to offer is a key factor. Through the librarian panels we learned a variety of techniques of how to publicize one’s skills. Out of all of them I liked the idea that Sandy Kramer presented the most. The medical library has offices in various departments staffed with liaisons and leave postcards in the mailboxes of staff saying “Here’s what the library has done for you lately.”
I think that 504 is a wonderful introductory class to the program. Not only did I learn about issues surrounding libraries I also learned a variety of skills and vocabulary. I learned that word documents are not the only way to posted writings. Before this class I did not know about HTML composers. I also learned how to create a HTML webpage, along with the difference between a webpage and a website. I hope to polish these skills and make my webpage more professionally looking by the end of the program. I understand that there are programs that will help me with this but would like to learn the basics as a back-up. I also learned the difference between a scholarly journal and a trade journal. The most important thing I learned about this subject was almost all journals that I thought were scholarly are indeed trade journals. Knowing the difference will have an impact on the papers I write. I learned the term metadata but still struggle with the definition and use. I think that I have a broad concept and hope that it will be more concrete by the time I end the program.
My experience in IRLS 504 was a positive one and I feel that I got a lot out of the class. Everyone was helpful and were beneficial teachers. Not only did I receive an education from my professors but from my peers, counselors, SIRLS office staff, graduate assistants, and various librarians in the field. This intensive 6 week class has had a huge impact on my current career and in the shaping of my future career.
