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.
---
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.
