I’ve been in school now for about three and a half weeks. I’ve thought about posting about it before, but frankly, my head hasn’t been in it.
I finally feel like I’m getting in the swing of things, like I’m getting over my initial “I refuse to give up my free time to do homework” mindset (which is preposterous seeing as how I’m now working less than 1/2 as much as I was before, so I still have a lot of free time).
When I came home from work this afternoon, I read all of “Charlotte’s Web” for one of my classes, four articles, wrote two posts for different classes about the readings, and I plan to do more after I post this. So, I can do it.
The degree I’m getting is a Masters of Science in Information Studies (formerly a Masters of Library and Information Science, before that a Masters of Library Science) at the University of Texas at Austin. When I get out, I’ll be qualified for most library positions (except as a school librarian, as most states require you to have at least a few years of teaching experience, which, no. Teaching is not and has never been for me).
I’m taking four classes this semester (for a total of 10 credits – I need 40 to graduate):
- Intro to Information Studies (1 credit) – Super basic, lots of guest speakers, pass/fail.
- Children’s Literature (3 credits) – This is actually a very large undergraduate course. Good teacher, interesting material. Probably my favorite class.
- Electronic resources for Children and Youth (3 credits) – a very small (12 students) seminar class.
- Understanding and Serving users (3 credits) – a required class about a hodge-podge of things, mostly about how to view your clients/customers/patrons as a whole, so far.
I love the UT campus – it is gorgeous and has an old South feel to me (lots of gorgeous old buildings, huge trees, statues, etc. – very different from BYU where they keep tearing down buildings and putting up big new ones). It also definitely feels like it’s downtown, which I like. I feel very smart when I walk around campus (when I get in my classes, I feel less smart).
Anyway, I’ve been really pleased so far. Still, I’m looking forward to Spring Break.
Emily Kate says
Children’s Lit was probably my all time favorite undergrad course! So much fun!
LONICA says
I’ve been thinking about getting a degree in library sciences. I currently teach English to Secondary Ed Students. What do you plan to do with your masters? Would you recommend it?
Terri B. says
Have you read the Netboox post over at Top of the Mountain yet? As a future librarian and library user, you’ll probably laugh as hard as I did! I left a comment that may or may not show yet (moderated) about a similar conversation I had with one of our Deans the other day. Apparently he thinks we need an online thing, kind of like those cards in drawers we used to have, so we can find the masters theses. Hmmmm … sounds like he wants to recreate the online catalog we already have! I’m still laughing!
heidikins says
Lookit how smart you are! S-M-R-T… um, I mean… blast.
Perhaps I should stop dawdling on people’s blogs and start reading el dictionario? (That’s Spanish for “the dictionary”)
xox
janet says
I think you need this shirt! http://rarebirdfinds.typepad.com/rare_bird_finds/2008/02/librarian-tee.html
RA says
Going to school full-time sounds great to me; I wish I could afford it! I’m glad to hear that you like things so far, since I’m just now starting to really investigate grad school stuff on my own. Keep it coming!
Sami says
horrah for graduate school! glad you’re loving it so far!
Merrick says
You know, I felt the same way about giving up my time to do homework after two lousy weeks of Christmas break. I can’t imagine what it’s like to start doing homework after a year of no school.
Heather says
I’ve been wondering how school was going. Glad you have such a beautiful environment to learn in.
Le Petit Chic says
My former roommate got her masters in Information Sciences too! I’m glad to hear school is going so smoothly for you. I’m still at that point where I can’t even fathom stepping back into the classroom.
Nic says
Enjoy the Children’s Lit class, that’s one I always wish I had taken.
Beck Family says
Children’s lit was part of the Ele Ed courses. I absolutely loved it!!!! I am so happy your in this major, it is so perfect for you!
Karen says
It is nice to hear more about your school life. I envy the Children’s Lit class. Reading children’s books is the kind of homework I would quite enjoy–provided they were good!