Mid-Semester Analysis and Reflections

As I look back on my writing so far in this journal, as well as in my group blog posts and discussion board posts, I am realizing that much of my writing focuses on public libraries. This is due, I believe, to two main factors.

 First of all, public libraries are the aspect of the LIS field that I am most familiar with, and secondly, public libraries are where I plan to work for the majority of my career. As previously mentioned, I grew up frequenting my local public library. I have loved reading for as long as I can remember, and being home schooled (and thus not having access to a school library), the library provided access to books other than the ones we already had around the house. Any time I moved somewhere new as an adult, one of my first goals was to locate my local library and obtain a library card. Academic libraries are also an important part of my life as I have attended college and now graduate school, but public libraries have been a part of my life for much longer.

 Public libraries are also where I plan to work for much of my career. Although life is never certain and I would not be surprised if other opportunities came up which may steer me away from my original career goals, I have always pictured myself working in a public library. Even before I decided to attend library school, this was a career I could picture myself in. Now that I am volunteering at my local public library, I am realizing that public libraries are a good fit for me. I enjoy being able to help people find materials and planning events. My experience with City Year had me organizing volunteers on a regular basis, and this is another task I enjoy and a skill that is important for librarians to have.

 Thinking on these two factors, it makes sense that much of my writing and reflection on what I am learning would be about public library service, but I also recognize the importance of broadening my horizons enough that I am aware of the other aspects of the field. I think a goal of mine as I continue this blog and also as I continue working on my degree will be to find that balance between having a focus and also being aware of issues outside of that focus. Networking with colleagues who are planning in working in other areas of the field, as well as paying attention to organizations and articles aimed at other branches of the LIS profession will help me to find this balance.