Let me be the heretic here -- and I speak as a former Instructor at 2 Graduate
Library Schools. I have a BLS, a MLS and a PhD - all in library - and most of
what I know I learned on the job.
True - I learned from the best librarians - both on the job and at SUNY/Geneseo and
Columbia University School of Library Service. But, it was my practicum experience
(in those days we went out for a full semester) where I learned the most. Library
schools are great to learn the philosophy of service, the history of the
profession, etc. BUT, it was the practicum experience and my first years (1963-1965
probably) where i learned the practical stuff - how to run a reference desk, how to
run a circulation desk, how to interact with the problem patron, and how to adapt a
lesson to meet all the needs of the students.
I was just discussing this matter with one of our counselors today and also with
our social worker - how does the teacher learn how to work with the bipolar
student, the student who refuses to work in groups as he/she has no social skills,
the student who is drunk or stoned, the student who has experienced abuse, etc.
There is nothing like on-the-job training - but it should be with a dedicated,
passionate, and service-oriented librarian (who is also a fantastic teacher).
I am not sure I would have made it if I had been thrown into a position where I was
the only librarian - and I had the BLS. and was working on my MLS. That is not to
say it can't happen but I am glad it didn't happen to me.
Allan
Dr. Allan O'Grady Cuseo, MGC
Director of Library Services
Bishop Kearney High School | A Golisano Education Partner
125 Kings Highway South
Rochester, New York 14617
585.342.4000 x231
585.342.4694 (fax)
acuseo@bkhs.org
www.bkhs.org
College Prep. Plus.
-----Original Message-----
From: "ELLINGSON, ALISSA 1" [aellingson1@KLEINISD.NET]
Date: 05/07/2009 10:32 AM
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: Re: [LM_NET] TAR: Librarians hired before degree complete?
Hello All:
I am wondering how many of you were hired as librarians before you had
finished your MLS degree. I just interviewed and this seemed to be one
of her worries. Any thoughts or suggestions as to how to help her with
her decision? How many of you started off this way? What challenges
did you face? How did you overcome them?
Happy Thursday!
Miss Alissa Ellingson
Krimmel Intermediate
6th Grade ELA
Klein, TX
aellingson1@kleinisd.net
"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most
accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers."
>
> Charles W. Eliot
>
>
>
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