Value of an MLIS?

Library Research Service has a quick survey: The value of an MLIS to you. Students can participate, but they're really aiming for feedback from those in the field. I'm interested to see the results. It doesn't claim to be scientific, but should give a Q&D picture.

I can think of a few fellow students who question the value of an MLIS. But these are the same folks who complain about the workload and the emphasis on theory versus practical training. By the end of the semester, I'm usually with them on the work load. But on the issue of theory vs practicality. I tend to side with the other camp: Give me the theory; I can get the practical training on the job or at training courses. This is a graduate program. For the time, effort and money I am putting into this, I want an education, not a job training program.

I've found that the debate surrounding practical vs theoretical emphasis of MLIS programs is not limited to my program and classmates. At first, I was surprised by this. (Again, master's program...hello?) But different people have different goals and perspectives. Some are pursuing the MLIS purely for advancement. If they've been successful to date without the degree and theoretical background, I can see where they might question its value.

I've also heard many people question: Do you really need a master's degree to do the job? This is particularly true for people outside of the library world. My family and friends were surprised that I needed to pursue (yet another) degree for this career change.

I've joined late in the game, so I'm missing some of the history on this. Is the MLIS requirement relatively new? I heard somewhere that ALA pushed for the MLIS requirement. Is that true? Is so, didn't that action reflect the wishes of the membership?

And maybe all of this is the point of the survey? If so, it barely scratches the surface of the issue.

Random question: end of spring semester soundtrack suggestions?

As I sit here and struggle with my final paper of the semester, I realize what's missing: a soundtrack. Years ago, studying for finals, I always had what we old-timers referred to as a mix tape playing in the background. The The (no, kiddies, that's not a typo, look them up), The Smiths and The Cult got me through junior year finals. Senior year it was 10,000 Maniacs, The Church and Jane's Addiction. Of course, there were no iPods, so music was blasting out of boom boxes all over campus. Do they still do that? I hope so. There is nothing like walking across campus on a spring day, following your favorite music to its source, and finding out who is blaring it out their window.

So, here I sit, 20 years later (yes, 20!), writing my final paper of the semester without a soundtrack. The new REM is very reminiscent of their 80s stuff. Maybe a little too much? (Dudes, you are making me feel OLD.) I need something new. I tried John Mayer, but that tabloid picture of him in a mankini keeps popping into my head. (Okay, EW!) Too distracting. Jason Mraz? Too-complicated lyrics - I can't concentrate. I recently started listening to David Ford. Love him, but um, I'm already depressed, thanks.

Any suggestions?

Parts of a book 101 and blog abandonment?

I was writing a post for my Materials for Children class and wanted to talk about an illustration on the inside cover of the book. I originally referred to it as the "flyleaf" but wasn't sure if this is correct. I found this great diagram (I must-see for inner and aspiring librarians) on what may be an abandoned blog.

Which brings me to my random question of the moment: At what point do you consider a blog abandoned? The one I found hasn't been updated since February. I have blogs that I haven't updated in ages, but I don't consider them abandoned (yet). I still think of them wistfully, and often think, "This would be a great post for my old blog xyz." I miss them. Do they miss me? Have I abandoned them? Should I? What's the concensus on MOPD (multiple online personality disorder)?

BTW, that illustration is on the endpapers or endsheets of the book.

Cool new toy in beta!

Try Boolify for your next web search. You can construct Boolean searches visually with puzzle pieces. Seriously, check it out. It still has some bugs and functionality issues that need to be worked out but, WOW! The creators at the Public Learning Media Laboratory are developing a curriculum to accompany it that includes web searching and evaluation of sources. Check it out and join in on the beta test.

Citation frustration? Try this simple explanation!

One of the most frustrating things about writing papers is getting my citations and references into proper format -- especially for electronic sources. Grammar Girl's latest episode (102) does a nice job of addressing this topic. She covers the why's, how's, and risks of electronic citations. Risks? Yup. GG talks about evaluating credibility and considering permanence.

After you listen, be sure to read the online transcript. GG provides examples of website and podcast citations in APA, MLA and Chicago Manual styles.

IMHO, an excellent podcast for sharing with middle school and high school students. GG packs a lot of information in a neat, easily digestible little podcast.

Save RIF

From the RIF website:

"Reading Is Fundamental was eliminated from the President's proposed FY2009 budget. Congress can save it.


Contact your congressional representatives and urge them to support RIF's $26 million funding appropriation.


Last year, 4.6 million at-risk children were able to choose and keep 16 million free books through RIF programs. Without this funding, these programs will cease."


Take action.

National Library Week on YouTube

Check out ALA's NLW promo videos on YouTube. This one is my current fav, but Go Fish is a close second. For some reason, they are posted under different user names. :-( Use this link for the username AmLibraryAssociation to see them all (I think). Enjoy!