I've been thinking about the importance of mentoring Library and Information Science students so I've written an article for Ukrainian audiences which I hope to have published in one of the library journals here. Below is a small taste of what I have on my mind.
Mentoring is an important part of American librarianship. Librarians with years of experience are sharing knowledge with Library and Information Science (LIS) students and thereby enriching their education. Students by working closely with these mentors are in turn gaining real world experience which makes them more valuable and employable upon graduation. In order to match protégés with their mentors a close collaboration between library educators and librarians is necessary. This collaboration can help ensure that LIS education meets the needs of the profession.
It is no secret that the field of Library and Information Science has been significantly impacted by ever changing technologies and service trends. With this in mind a major question is how do students keep up with these new developments? Students need to be exposed to real life applications of what is being discussed in their classrooms. And conversely how can library educators stay in touch with new developments in the field? Faculty can gain from practitioner experiences since faculty members need to refresh their curricula in order to remain relevant.
In fact, learning through experience is a top priority set forward by current American Library Association (ALA) president Dr. Loriene Roy. Dr. Roy is an accomplished educator and is currently a professor of Library & Information Science at The University of Texas at Austin. She has set up a number of ALA task forces including the Supporting Library &Information Science Education through Practice Task Force.
Librarians must be proactive and seek such opportunities if they do not present themselves naturally. It might be necessary to contact library educators and ask to be involved. LIS educators and administrators should be proactive by forging close relations with leaders in the professional community and seeking guest lecturers and internship placements for students. All parties involved stand to benefit.
Mentoring is an important part of American librarianship. Librarians with years of experience are sharing knowledge with Library and Information Science (LIS) students and thereby enriching their education. Students by working closely with these mentors are in turn gaining real world experience which makes them more valuable and employable upon graduation. In order to match protégés with their mentors a close collaboration between library educators and librarians is necessary. This collaboration can help ensure that LIS education meets the needs of the profession.
It is no secret that the field of Library and Information Science has been significantly impacted by ever changing technologies and service trends. With this in mind a major question is how do students keep up with these new developments? Students need to be exposed to real life applications of what is being discussed in their classrooms. And conversely how can library educators stay in touch with new developments in the field? Faculty can gain from practitioner experiences since faculty members need to refresh their curricula in order to remain relevant.
In fact, learning through experience is a top priority set forward by current American Library Association (ALA) president Dr. Loriene Roy. Dr. Roy is an accomplished educator and is currently a professor of Library & Information Science at The University of Texas at Austin. She has set up a number of ALA task forces including the Supporting Library &Information Science Education through Practice Task Force.
Librarians must be proactive and seek such opportunities if they do not present themselves naturally. It might be necessary to contact library educators and ask to be involved. LIS educators and administrators should be proactive by forging close relations with leaders in the professional community and seeking guest lecturers and internship placements for students. All parties involved stand to benefit.
1 comments:
Hey Sue - did you happen to see these:
Caveat Lector
and
Meredith Farkas?
They're sort of up your alley, and somewhat on topic to this post.
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