Practical/Service Experience

One of the things that I have enjoyed the most about my tenure as a distance student at the iSchool are the opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom. Not only does the program provide allow us to put our newly learned skills to use in a real world professional setting through the Directed Field Work (DFW) program, but the whole atmosphere of the school itself is one of encouragement and growth. That encouragement just lends itself to generating a natural excitement about getting involved. An added bonus for me as a distance student was that I was able to be professionally involved in my local community while attending the iSchool.

Allen Library Information Desk

Reference Service - Beginning in the summer of 2007 I had the opportunity to participate in some cross training at the Mansfield Library at the University of Montana. Because of some position vacancies, the library was in need of a few "volunteers" to help at the reference desk. This has been a wonderful learning experience. It has given me a broader perspective of the library as a whole and provided an opportunity to see firsthand how decisions made about cataloging affect the public's ability to find what they need, and to see how the needs of the public affect the decisions that are made behind the scenes. I believe I've found my niche working with bibliographic management; however I also enjoy spending time doing reference work. I felt a very real sense of accomplishment when I received my first ‘Thank You' from a patron. Knowing that I was able to help them reach their research goals really made my day.

 

OLAC Web Site Revision Working Group - I have been a member of the Online AudioVisual Catalogers group for a couple of years but had never thought of serving on a committee. My tenure at the iSchool has not only increased my skills
	Visit the OLAC web page
and knowledge but also my confidence in my abilities to be a contributing member of my community. I volunteered for a position on the OLAC web site revision working group and was accepted (.pdf). This is a very exciting opportunity and is significant to me personally because it will provide an opportunity to combine and expand on the technological and leadership skills I've gained at the iSchool in a professional manner. While we as a committee are just beginning our charge to evaluate the web page at this point I have no doubt this experience will continue to challenge me in many ways and will be an invaluable experience in continuing my growth as professional in library and information science.

 

Directed Fieldwork - My Directed Fieldwork experience involved working in the Bibliographic Management Services area of the Mansfield Library. During that time I provided original cataloging for 50 items in a variety of formats including video recordings (both commercial and locally produced), spoken audio recordings, musical sound recording, maps, books, and government documents. All of these bibliographic records were added to the OCLC database. I learned the complete process currently being performed to maintain authority control of the local catalog. I loaded six sets of
	Mike and Maureen Mansfield Library
authority files and reviewed all the accompanying reports that went along with them. I also created a written set of instructions for the process, which will be added to department's online manual. In addition I learned about creating name authorities for the NACO funnel. Four of my authority records are being sent through the funnel and will be added to the OCLC database when they are approved. I also assisted with project planning, finding solutions to two data maintenance problems and seeing the project through to completion. As my knowledge about and skill with cataloging increased, some of the other staff members actually came to me with questions about cataloging. I will always remember that first time when I was not only able to confidently answer a question, but to also point out where in the AACR2 book that answer came from.

 

Each of the above projects was chosen with an eye toward the service aspect, and taken together they were a significant way for me to gain valuable field experience.  Because I was able to apply a new skill set AND positively contribute to the library community,  they were especially meaningful. In spite of the fact that I had been working at a library before applying to the iSchool I had little personal experience with professional level work. I have to admit that when I first made the decision to go back to school I expected to attend classes, learn a few new and interesting facts and earn a diploma. I have done that, but in the process I have accomplished so much more. I have gained the confidence in my abilities and have put that knowledge to work on a professional level. Now, instead of sitting in the background hoping no one would notice me, I find myself being one of the first ones to raise my hand, volunteering for new projects and looking forward to facing new challenges.

 

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