Top Ten Things I Didn't Learn in Library School

Abstract

After graduating from Indiana University's School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) in December of 1995 with my MLS, I began working as the Instructional Services librarian at the University of Southern Indiana (USI) in Evansville, Indiana, in January 1996. Throughout my daily routine, I find myself using many applications, theories, and ideas taught at SLIS. In addition, each day is a learning experience at US1 where much of my time is spent interacting with students, librarians, and support staff at the university, as well as staying aware of current trends in technology and instruction. After one year, I am taking a moment to reflect - and believe me, it is a moment - upon many things not taught or emphasized enough during my graduate school training. Below is a list of ten items in no particular order that I have found challenging during my first year. I hope this list will help prepare future graduates for the challenges and responsibilities that await them once they begin a career as a professional librarian.