Introduction and Assertions

My name is Samantha Lawrence. I recently (as in this semester) started the MLIS program at Wayne State University and I plan on concentrating in archival studies. Ideally, I will pursue a career as an archivist but I am willing to let my opportunities take me where they will, even if it means a change of direction.

I am trying to gain as many experiences and skills as possible to make me well rounded from a professional standpoint. Currently, I am an intern at Meadow Brook Hall, the historic home of Matilda Dodge Wilson. This position is teaching me a lot about what it is like to work at a historical agency. At the same time, I am learning about the process of creating, displaying, and dismantling exhibits. In the future, I plan to have more positions such as this to help determine what I would like to do in the LIS field.

 I love watching horror films. My mom sort of turned me onto them as a child. For some reason, I truly enjoy being held in suspense and being absolutely terrified.

On another note, I like stories. Sometimes, I write them. Other times, I read them. I am drawn to the stories people tell when they think no one will ever hear their words. People being uninhibited has always been something I’ve admired probably because I am a naturally shy person.

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Three Assertions on the LIS profession

Librarians are underestimated.

I have found that people’s reaction to me pursuing a MLIS is usually something near disappointment. Many are surprised that you need a Master’s for the job. Others tell me I am too smart to just be a librarian. Usually, I will come up with some sort of explanation, causing them to nod their heads and say something along the lines of “Good for you, dear” but in actuality, they have no idea. I believe that most people have no idea what librarians actually do. They do not realize how much effort and knowledge goes into becoming a librarian nor do they realize that there is more than one kind of librarian. Hopefully, in my journey, I will be able to inform at least a few people of what librarians actually do and how diverse the LIS profession is.

The LIS profession is a vicious circle of learning.

 I mean “vicious circle” in the best way possible. Once you enter the LIS profession, you are basically taking an oath to never stop learning. During your MLIS program, you are taught a lot about reference services and where to find information with the end goal of helping others but I think this knowledge is also meant to help us help ourselves.  Since LIS professionals know how to access and where to find information, they are expected to keep up to date with technology and other issues affecting the profession. This never-ending cycle of learning is actually one of things I admire most about the LIS profession. I like the idea of always refreshing my brain with new information.

The LIS field is growing and relevant.

More than ever, information is becoming something with value but that information becomes nothing if it can’t be accessed. I think LIS professionals are trained to lead society by organizing, preserving, and displaying the massive influx of information brought on by the so-called Digital Revolution. Rather than decrease employment in the LIS profession, technology has created new job titles and enhanced those already existing. Therefore, LIS professionals will be needed as long as there is information to be managed and communities to serve.