As a current - soon to be alumni - student of the library science
masters course at City University London (#citylis) I have often been
asked why I am choosing to study such an 'endangered' subject. Why would
I spend two years on a part-time course for a job that might not exist
when I graduate? While I do accept that many libraries are facing heavy
threats and many professionals have lost their jobs, I don't agree that
the role of librarian is a thing of the past.
At City
University London, I was able to receive a grounding in the information
architectures that underpin so many library activities. Through
practical sessions I got to try my hand at basic coding and was
introduced to the world underneath the applications that we take for
granting when inputting data in our library roles. I received seminars
on digital library systems and received a broad overview to technologies
in connection to libraries. Combined with this technology focus I was
introduced to theories and framework which are the foundation to best
practice within information services.
I am happy to say
that I recently accepted a job working at the V&A museum as an
assistant librarian and will be starting in this role soon. I firmly
believe that #citylis was partly responsibility for equipping me with
the right skills and knowledge to take on this role. We were encourages
(from the start of the first term) to engage with twitter and to use the
#ciylis hashtag to share relevant information. We also spent time
considering the future of libraries in relation to new technologies and
considered past predictions. This time and reflection can often be hard
to find within a busy library service, as can a wider consideration to
the academic field of library science.
I will be sad to
leave #citylis but I am greatly looking forward to putting into
practice what I have learnt during my time at City University London.