Last Course – School Library Management
I started the School Media MLIS program at SU during the summer of 2008, and after what seems (oddly enough) like simultaneously a blink of an eye and a lifetime, I’m now taking my final class. I can’t believe how far I’ve come or how much I’ve learned in the past year. And while I’ll truly miss being able to read all the great discussion posts by my fellow students and professors when I’m no longer a student, I’m looking forward to getting out there and actually working in a library. I’m ready. Or at least I will be once I finish my last class, IST661, Information Management in School Libraries. It’s a pretty important class, and I’m glad I’ve saved it for my last semester. Having so much coursework behind me and being so close to working in a library is making this course that much more meaningful to me.
Topics we will be covering include managing personnel, what to do when a book is challenged, marketing, program evaluation, managing library space, budgeting, and collaboration, among others. The course instructor, Dr. Renee Franklin, is doing a great job of pulling in real-world scenarios and resources for our discussions and readings. For example, when we were discussing collection development/ acquisitions, Dr. Franklin asked a book sales representative to participate in our discussions for the week. Also, each week she posts tips and advice that she has directly solicited from working school librarians to inspire us newbies.
So how much can theoretical knowledge prepare us for the real world of school librarianship? I do think that my SU MLIS education is striking a good balance between theoretical and practical knowledge. As a distance student, I find that being able to ask questions of both my professors and fellow students via frequent Blackboard discussion posts provides the opportunity to gain more practical knowledge in areas where I may need it. And certainly, the 400 hours of fieldwork and student teaching is a great way to begin to apply what we are learning. But there’s no substitute for the Real World. My practicum site advisor told me it will take at least 5-6 years after beginning my librarian career before I will will really feel comfortable and knowledgeable in my field. So bring on the Real World – I’m ready to have at it!
Feel free to comment here or on the Syracuse iSchool LIS facebook page.
Posted by Rebecca Buerkett, Syracuse MLIS distance student, rlbuerke@syr.edu.