Mr. Ditchburn makes some good points about subject expertise being valuable, indeed imperative for a librarian to obtain (esp. when working for institutions that support Master's and PhD programs). *BUT* these should not be stretched as a justification for the condemnation of a degree in library science. There is much theory learned in library school about classification and the nature of information, etc....it isn't all about skills. This I've experienced first-hand during my new job as a librarian fresh out of school. I hadn't worked for a library in much capacity beforehand...and I've felt like I've been groping in the dark at times (since I'm a one-librarian library) as to how to do the practical hands-on skills. Nevertheless, I've succeeded in figuring out most of the skills so far, thanks to the broad theoretical knowledge I gained in library school. Also, in today's job market -despite the low unemployment rate-no one offers anyone with no experience a job and says-"Sure-you seem smart and have some subject knowledge, we'll train you!" If only that were true I could have saved myself some $30,000 by not going to library school!!! I feel that getting my M.L.S. with a specialization in art librarianship was one of the best decisions I've made in my life thus far.
Andrea Chemero, Library Director
Pennsylvania School of Art & Design
204 N. Prince St.
P.O. Box 59
Lancaster, PA 17608
__________________________________________________________________
Mail submissions to [log in to unmask]
Administrative matters (file requests, subscription requests, etc)
to [log in to unmask]
ARLIS-L Archives and subscription maintenance:
http://lsv.uky.edu/archives/arlis-l.html
Questions may be addressed to list owner (Kerri Scannell) at: [log in to unmask]
|