Comments on: ALA’s alternate to an MLS http://www.web2learning.net/archives/679 Web 2.0 and programming tips from a library technology enthusiast, What I Learned Today... covers blogs, rss, wikis and more as they relate to libraries. Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:53:57 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: Redhaired Future Librarian » The Degree http://www.web2learning.net/archives/679#comment-17047 Redhaired Future Librarian » The Degree Thu, 16 Nov 2006 07:05:55 +0000 http://www.web2learning.net/archives/679#comment-17047 [...] Degree or Not Degree, That Is the Question. Of all of the new crop of posts I’ve seen today about library education, Josh Neff’s has the best comment thread. This is an extremely touchy subject. It’s a sensitive subject for me. [...] [...] Degree or Not Degree, That Is the Question. Of all of the new crop of posts I’ve seen today about library education, Josh Neff’s has the best comment thread. This is an extremely touchy subject. It’s a sensitive subject for me. [...]

]]> By: Nicole http://www.web2learning.net/archives/679#comment-16844 Nicole Thu, 09 Nov 2006 18:35:56 +0000 http://www.web2learning.net/archives/679#comment-16844 I don't think you understood me. They are teaching me how to "conduct research, read widely, and pursue information-related issues intellectually" - all things I've done for the last 5+ years while working in a library. In addition I've had the opportunity to write articles, present on topics related to modern libraries, and teach librarians and patrons how to use technology to assist in their day to day jobs and lives. My main belief regarding education - all education - is that it needs to be supplemented with actual on the job experience - learning by doing! I also feel very strongly about continuing education - because while you say that being a librarian includes pursuing information-related issues - if that's so then why aren't all librarians out there pursuing continuing education? My answer? Because we're all busy and it's not a requirement - it needs to be a requirement! I don’t think you understood me. They are teaching me how to “conduct research, read widely, and pursue information-related issues intellectually” - all things I’ve done for the last 5+ years while working in a library. In addition I’ve had the opportunity to write articles, present on topics related to modern libraries, and teach librarians and patrons how to use technology to assist in their day to day jobs and lives.

My main belief regarding education - all education - is that it needs to be supplemented with actual on the job experience - learning by doing!

I also feel very strongly about continuing education - because while you say that being a librarian includes pursuing information-related issues - if that’s so then why aren’t all librarians out there pursuing continuing education? My answer? Because we’re all busy and it’s not a requirement - it needs to be a requirement!

]]> By: Thom http://www.web2learning.net/archives/679#comment-16842 Thom Thu, 09 Nov 2006 18:21:45 +0000 http://www.web2learning.net/archives/679#comment-16842 I don't know where you're going to school, but if the only things you are learning there are things you have also learned on the job, either the school is failing in its mission or you are not challenging yourself to conduct research, read widely, and pursue information-related issues intellectually. The study of library and information science involves far more than just "how to be a librarian." It's a shame to see such a narrow view of the field. I don’t know where you’re going to school, but if the only things you are learning there are things you have also learned on the job, either the school is failing in its mission or you are not challenging yourself to conduct research, read widely, and pursue information-related issues intellectually. The study of library and information science involves far more than just “how to be a librarian.” It’s a shame to see such a narrow view of the field.

]]> By: My Thoughts on Library and Information Science Education » Adventures in Library School http://www.web2learning.net/archives/679#comment-16841 My Thoughts on Library and Information Science Education » Adventures in Library School Thu, 09 Nov 2006 18:18:39 +0000 http://www.web2learning.net/archives/679#comment-16841 [...] It’s weird sometimes how one topic can pop up in a bunch of different places at once. There’s been a debate going on in my library management class right now about library education, and the real value of the MLS degree. A few of my fellow students (and I’ll admit, I include myself in this group) are frustrated that our classes are focused a lot on theory and that we’re not getting very much practical experience (or that any practical experience we might have is discounted because we don’t yet have our degrees). Then I come across two very thoughtful blog posts from folks about the current state of library education and the value of the MLS degree, and some of the issues that arise from a degree that’s focused more on theory than practice. So, please, before you read on and hear my thoughts, go read this post by Josh Neff and this post by Nicole Engard. I’ll wait. [...] [...] It’s weird sometimes how one topic can pop up in a bunch of different places at once. There’s been a debate going on in my library management class right now about library education, and the real value of the MLS degree. A few of my fellow students (and I’ll admit, I include myself in this group) are frustrated that our classes are focused a lot on theory and that we’re not getting very much practical experience (or that any practical experience we might have is discounted because we don’t yet have our degrees). Then I come across two very thoughtful blog posts from folks about the current state of library education and the value of the MLS degree, and some of the issues that arise from a degree that’s focused more on theory than practice. So, please, before you read on and hear my thoughts, go read this post by Josh Neff and this post by Nicole Engard. I’ll wait. [...]

]]> By: Nicole http://www.web2learning.net/archives/679#comment-120401 Nicole Thu, 09 Nov 2006 17:35:56 +0000 http://www.web2learning.net/archives/679#comment-120401 I don't think you understood me. They are teaching me how to "conduct research, read widely, and pursue information-related issues intellectually" - all things I've done for the last 5+ years while working in a library. In addition I've had the opportunity to write articles, present on topics related to modern libraries, and teach librarians and patrons how to use technology to assist in their day to day jobs and lives. <br><br>My main belief regarding education - all education - is that it needs to be supplemented with actual on the job experience - learning by doing! <br><br>I also feel very strongly about continuing education - because while you say that being a librarian includes pursuing information-related issues - if that's so then why aren't all librarians out there pursuing continuing education? My answer? Because we're all busy and it's not a requirement - it needs to be a requirement! I don’t think you understood me. They are teaching me how to “conduct research, read widely, and pursue information-related issues intellectually” - all things I’ve done for the last 5+ years while working in a library. In addition I’ve had the opportunity to write articles, present on topics related to modern libraries, and teach librarians and patrons how to use technology to assist in their day to day jobs and lives.

My main belief regarding education - all education - is that it needs to be supplemented with actual on the job experience - learning by doing!

I also feel very strongly about continuing education - because while you say that being a librarian includes pursuing information-related issues - if that’s so then why aren’t all librarians out there pursuing continuing education? My answer? Because we’re all busy and it’s not a requirement - it needs to be a requirement!

]]> By: Thom http://www.web2learning.net/archives/679#comment-120400 Thom Thu, 09 Nov 2006 17:21:45 +0000 http://www.web2learning.net/archives/679#comment-120400 I don't know where you're going to school, but if the only things you are learning there are things you have also learned on the job, either the school is failing in its mission or you are not challenging yourself to conduct research, read widely, and pursue information-related issues intellectually. The study of library and information science involves far more than just "how to be a librarian." It's a shame to see such a narrow view of the field. I don’t know where you’re going to school, but if the only things you are learning there are things you have also learned on the job, either the school is failing in its mission or you are not challenging yourself to conduct research, read widely, and pursue information-related issues intellectually. The study of library and information science involves far more than just “how to be a librarian.” It’s a shame to see such a narrow view of the field.

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