Journal

9/13 proud of myself that I figured out how to do this wiki. Seems like every class has a discussion on the future of librarians. Worried it is a field that needs justification. Like the information and literacy skills emphasis in readings (620 as well) as that will be more important than finding a book in the library!

9/21 enjoyed doing the personality quizzes. Thought for sure we were all going to end up in "my" group of guardians and was pleased to note that didn't happen. MSL appears to attract different people. Had my son take the test and he ended up identical to me, what a surprise. Our class discussion on politics was interesting. I do think every field has to deal with that, I had it in the health care industry as well. Guess where there are people...

9/22 reading about principals was interesting. In the number of schools I have been in, I realize now how much that person sets the tone.The prinipal in my daughter's middle school is rather old school, abrasive and loud. The teachers all kowtow to him. I think I would have a problem as one time he took a book off the PTSA book sale list as he didn't like it. No discussion. Need to work in a more collaborative atmosphere.

10/1 Getting confused about the different theories of learning/teaching. Love the more practical stuff I am learning, ie make the font size bigger than 72 and get images of books (vs. me copying them on a color copier). Hmm, this is also a more collaborative atmosphere that I like again...

10/3 Really enjoyed researching Banned books and why librarians are against them. I like the broad aspect of protecting our freedoms.

10/7 See why the librarian I worked with was more inclined to purchase curriculum books than the fiction books I was into. These are needed to provide information for the staff and will be "more" helpful than completing the Nancy Drew series.

10/15 Enjoyed the synchronous discussion last night. Learned something about myself, I was apprehensive about trying something new (and a bit annoyed!) but I enjoyed it and learned. I will have to make a hard effort to remain open to this field and my life... I am using the bullitan board suggestion by Barbara for the next bullitan board I have make in Blythedale.

10/29 Talking with other people in the field seems like it is invaluable. Each class I learn something interesting that I could use. Was pleased that I knew about Titlewave, guess I am learning something with these hours at the library!

11/16 Nervous that I am in a dying field. Why am I paying all this money to get a degree in something that might not be around? Do I get selfish and just get what I can out of it? Do I switch to something more solid? I am tired of everyone in the school trying to emphasize what we must do to ensure jobs. Teachers don't have to do that, maybe I could put these classes toward teaching?

12/2 I am enjoying making bulletin boards for Blythdale, but I can see how they might want to be pawned off on the library clerk, they are too time consuming. I am glad that class is coming to an end as I am feeling stressed by the holidays and want to think about the career future a bit more. Feel like I learned the most practical stuff in this class, things that can actually be used and I prefer that. I have been going out of my way to make friends with the people in the class as they will be my working peers that I can call on for questions, etc. I have forgotten how important networking is, really for all professions. On a personal note, I so admire Linda's enthusiasm and energy that she devotes to the field. If we all get a bit of that going, I don't think the profession will have a problem in the future!