In less than a week, I’ll be starting library school. The more accurate term is “Master’s in Library Science,” but I like calling it library school. It reminds me of my goal to work in a public library, plus it’s easier to say to people than “Master’s in Library Science.”
Like, look, I’m grateful for my time at Bryn Mawr College’s libraries. I’ve met some amazing people (and dogs, as pictured below). Bryn Mawr’s LITS does amazing work in promoting the libraries, collaborating with academic research, and making books available. And they also partnered with the Ludington Library, so you can get access to resources outside of Bryn Mawr.
But I love how public libraries are focused on the community. In a time where the state is carrying on authoritarianism at home and colonialism abroad, it’s important to focus on protecting the community from said state. Libraries have that in abundance. Meeting spaces, social workers, storytimes, and a third space where, shockingly, you don’t have to buy anything to occupy it. Libraries have shifted from a repository of books to a vibrant social space, and I want to be a part of that.
I also waited a year to start, as I wanted to mitigate burnout. I’ve been through it once before, and I’d like not to repeat the experience if I can help it. For the first time since I was at least five, my life did not revolve around school. It was weird, but I found things to do. Shoutout to my dog, Lottie, for literally being a full-time job, hockey, volunteering at my local animal shelter to pet cats, and my writing. And also my summer camp job.
As compared to undergrad, grad school feels more pragmatic. Of course, it’s because many library jobs require a MILIS, but also because a lot of my classes focus on aspects of the information science field instead of, say, topics in 19th-century literature. My first few classes cover what information science professionals do, how librarians and information science professionals use data and information, and how to come up with library programs. I’m sure I’ll be using them in my future library science jobs.
Anyway, hope you enjoyed my blathering on about library science. A Weekly Wrapup is coming soon!