Of all the reflection blogs assigned to complete throughout
the fall semester at San Jose State University, this final posting for LIBR 200
feels the most personal. The wide array of materials we have covered while
studying information communities—from the general introductory outlines for
each module/lesson to the texts by library scholars—has left an undeniable
impact and laid sturdy foundations to build upon throughout the LIS program and
in future career pursuits. It is clear to see why LIBR 200 is the first major
course recommended to students entering library studies at SJSU. For what gets
explored here is not only how information communities form, what keeps them
together, and the resources they use, but also why information professionals
are so vital to the world at large (and only becoming more important with
emerging technologies).
To be honest, LIBR 200 was my way of wading into the Library
& Information Sciences program and seeing if librarianship would truly be
the right field for me. I had always adored libraries and the concept of
preserving or protecting resources for future generations to enjoy, yet my
major passion has always been literature and creative writing. The thought was
to work in a place filled with books, where I could help inspire a love for
storytelling and the written word in children and adults alike, while getting
inspiration to craft my own tales as a writer (and reading a bit on the side).
Ever since interning briefly (until the funding ran out) at the Kellogg Library
at Cal State San Marcos, I had thought about libraries as miniature,
self-contained communities or organisms (if that makes sense). They seemed to
me quiet and peaceful literary havens, where you could go to get away from the fast-paced
or hectic lifestyle found beyond their front doors.
Such were my initial views on the world libraries and
librarians occupied until this semester, which has proven an eye-opening
experience. As covered in the section on memes, it was easy to get a certain
picture fixed in my mind what librarianship encompassed, thanks to a combination
of popular media and hearsay. LIBR 200, and the LIS program itself, have helped
to point out these misconceptions on how libraries operate, and how librarians
are making a statement in virtual and physical communities.
Now I know Library & Information Science as a fast-paced
and dynamic field, focused on using technologies to accomplish great things
with a variety of media. Our earliest readings on what comprised a text expanded
my views regarding the types of collections librarians oversee, and the
importance of providing information, expressed through a variety of mediums, to
patrons. The idea of librarians as information
professionals also shifted my perspective a bit. It was like turning on a
light—and then there were the numerous ways they are making use of technologies
to maintain collections or make them freely accessible.
So in many ways, although LIBR 200 offered a great deal of
valuable insight on information communities—and I learned a lot about their importance and
world-changing implications—I believe a more realistic picture on the great
work librarians do, and the ideals for which they strive as stewards, are two
of the biggest things that I’m taking away from the course. It’s true that
librarianship is nowhere near as simple or slow-paced as anticipated, but
thanks to this program I have gained a whole new respect for the field and
discovered that this is really something I’d love to do.
In particular, our lessons on such concepts as the Freedom
to Read Statement, Copyright, and the responsibilities or code of information professionals
in the library setting are clearly challenging. Librarians, in general, deserve
more recognition as advocates for intellectual freedom and freedom of access.
The incident with the Connecticut Four, and the government’s desire to acquire
patron records, is only one example of what makes library science such as
reputable career path.
Getting to discover more about what makes information
communities function, while being asked to choose one on which to focus (like
the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
fan base) also helped to highlight the participatory cultures investigated at
length by Henry Jenkins and scholars inspired by his studies. Of particular
interest to me has been the concept of ‘”transmedia storytelling,” which I
would hope to use towards literary programs or similar in the near future. But
as Stephen Cane mentioned, “The Internet changed everything,” bringing people
from throughout the world together in virtual communities while allowing for
opportunities that would have been otherwise unavailable for many people.
For instance, I currently live far out in a secluded
countryside setting. It is takes a long time to get to town, and I have to
carpool with family members to do so (which tends to become an all-day affair).
So a combination of mobility and economic difficulties would have made it
difficult for me to pursue a program like Library & Information Science at
San Jose State University (if I’d needed to go to the actual campus). But
thanks to the internet, and LIS having the option for an on-line program, it
was possible for me to check out what library science had to offer and connect
with people from across the country. The Canvas site became a sort of information
community, where students could gather to learn from the resources and make
contributions.
So I’ve definitely come away with a lot from LIBR 200, and I
know all these lessons will inform my practice as an information professional because
I’ve gotten a taste of the challenges and rewards librarianship possesses.
And it’s truly inspiring.
Perhaps I’ll write a story about it sometime soon.
Thanks for a revolutionary experience!
