"Library School"

Well, it's mid-semester and per the usual I'm starting to feel like I'm drowning in books and papers.

Some of you have asked what exactly I do in "Library School" and I wanted to share a glimpse into the life of an MLIS student.

{MLIS = Masters of Library & Information Sciences.}

You do in fact have to have a Master's Degree to work as a librarian these days.

I know, it surprised me too.

"You need to have your Master's to check out patrons' books?"

Oddly enough, Librarians aren't even the ones that would check out your books, or re-shelve your books.

Most likely that would be an assistant, or a page who is assisting you at check out.

Depending on which setting,

(Academic, Public, School, Law or Corporate)

librarians can be in charge of:

 the collection development for their library (what books and/other resources to order),

what programs the library will offer as well as leading some of these programs,

{i.e. story time, computer classes, gaming night, etc}

how to market the library,

maintaining the databases,

and are ultimately there to assist patrons with accessing the information they are looking for.

At SJSU, we were able to choose our emphasis early on in the program

and after dabbling in Archiving & Catologing {not for me}, and Computer Database Creation and Management {no thanks}

I settled on an emphasis in Children's and Young Adult Literature.

While I would be able to become a librarian regardless of my emphasis,

Children's and YA Lit would be most beneficial to me as I see myself ultimately becoming a Young Adult Librarian.

I've had to take courses in a multitude of areas:

research methods courses, programs & services for public libraries, marketing, diversity within a library setting, information retrieval processes, etc.

The course I'm in now is Materials for Young Adults ages 15-18.

In addition to the 50 books I'm required to read and review for our final database project, I'm currently trying to finish a 20 page paper on Trends in Digital Resources for Teens.

Two weeks later another 20 page paper is due on the ever-so-controversial topic of sexuality in young adult literature.

{Nothing gets me more worked up then attempted bans on books!}

While I love the content we are studying, the fact that I work full-time has successfully taken the joy out of school.

It's become something that requires the last bit of energy I have after working all day.

I have one more class to take over the summer, and then I begin work on my portfolio during the Fall.

I'm set to graduate in December,

{Knock on wood. Seriously, knock on it.}

I think if I was required to go to school for even one more semester after, I would drop out.
 Sorry dad! 

So there you have it! Exciting stuff right? ;-) 

So please excuse my lack of comments or replies as of late.

It's just been overwhelming in these parts!