Getting a behind the scenes look into a library is a unique experience. How many of us have been patrons of the library for years, and never seen how the whole process works? What are the many different hats that a librarian wears? Week two was a step into the large pool of librarian duties for me, although it was perhaps just a toe of a dip. Being a student in an LIS program at a highly regarded research institution is an incredible opportunity and I'm so grateful to be a part of the ischool at UW. In my experience I have had a lot of theory instruction, sprinkled with some group projects, daily readings and reflections, etc. What I have not had yet, until this point, is a hands on experience to give me a chance to apply some of my learning to the real world of libraries. The value in working side by side with experienced librarians is huge in rounding out some of the necessary learning that must take place for me in this program.
My site supervisors, Laura and Chelsea, and I have come up with a great way for me to get deeper into librarian work by shadowing other librarians in their departments. I am able to attend a host of meetings and take notes on the different tasks of each librarian and how they navigate or troubleshoot specific duties. These tasks range from how to develop a strong lesson plan for students who are learning the ins-and-outs of how to research for their assignments to general management of libraries and how policy influences daily life at the library. This active way of participating has helped me make more connections outside of my own experience in a university classroom while learning about the theories, histories, and art of information science.
Public Services in a Library is host to managerial situations among librarians as well as a supportive service for students who may be transferring in from other institutions, military veterans entering academia, and any student who might want support in life skills. I had the opportunity to meet with Heather and her job is basically to help unify the different departments within the University's library, facilitating between reference, circulation, and tech/media departments. At UWB they all share one long stretch of a desk area, and there are times where one department may make a new change or process for various reasons, and Heather is there to ensure how the over all policy is affected, especially how the change or proposal might influence or change other modes of process in different library departments. There could be staffing changes, process changes and additions, etc. and Heather helps maintain the operations end so that things continue to run harmoniously.
Heather also provides undergraduate students with resources to a Life Skills course and helps those who may be in transitional phases of life, such as military veterans entering into higher education and undergraduate students who have transferred in from other schools. It is also just exactly what the title offers: Life Skills. When young adults want to learn about how to become more independent and self sufficient in life, this class offers some excellent resources and instruction.
Stay tuned for next week when I get my first "assignment" from one of the librarians who works in Media and Information Literacy and how to update resources in the libguides online. The simplest of tasks can also be a huge learning benefit! I'm excited to start.
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