wtscils598x08

Unlike many of my classmates, I came into the LIS program at Syracuse University knowing specifically what I want to do, that is, to specialize in digital libraries. Perhaps I won't call myself a librarian in the strictest sense, because I don't envision myself sitting at a reference desk and answering questions from users. Neither do I want to be a cataloger, I think it'll bore the hell out of me. I knew that libraries, like many other fields and professions such as business and journalism, needed to move forward in the age of participation. It was something I could connect with, and I wanted to be part of that.

My experience in this LIS program has been extremely fulfilling. I started out knowing a little about things that libraries were doing with technology to engage users in the digital age, but that knowledge wasn't deep enough. I'm glad I was able to customize my program based on areas I think librarians need to focus on, such as knowledge management and service-oriented architecture. These areas are not necessarily traditional library science courses, but they're important areas that warrant attention as libraries shift their focus from connecting people to resources towards facilitating conversations that underpin the knowledge creation process. In that regard, I think the Social Life of Information is a great book that every librarian should read.

I should also point out my initial experience in an online learning environment. I've had undergraduate classes with an online component before I entered this program, but I've never taken a class that's conducted entirely online. It was sometimes tough to keep up with the discussions that were going on, and I felt I was spending more time in online classes than offline ones. Social software tools like those covered in this class do help to make online classes more interactive and engaging. I hope more online instructors will think about integrating these tools in the learning environment.

My LIS experience
Our SCILS598 Summer 2008 experience