Plans of study/career paths * Colloquia * Field experience
With the exception of the school media specialty, which is fixed largely by NJ State Library Media certification requirements, plans of study are flexible and are to be determined by students in consultation with a faculty advisor. The choice of courses depends on the career direction the student wishes to pursue, both in terms of the type of work and its location. Looking at syllabi is the best way to learn more about specific courses. You may see syllabi by going to the course descriptions listed on the MLIS program web site http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/. By clicking on a course title, you will reach its syllabus.
In regard to matching career goals and course selection, there will be opportunities throughout the year to meet professionals and learn about their work and how they prepared for their careers. As mentioned elsewhere, reading job ads is very enlightening, and visits to various library and information work settings are especially useful. The New Jersey Library Associations College and University section has a program in place that allows students to shadow librarians for a day in selected institutions. Also, see the web sites of the various professional associations--some have competency statements. My Study Plan Sampler is meant to suggest, but not prescribe, courses that can prepare you for some of the many career paths you might consider.
For the most part, our courses are generic, and are meant to provide a foundation for work in different types of settings. If you know where you are headed, you can customize your program by focusing on your preferred setting when you choose term paper topics, readings, or independent study and field experience.
Three or more MLIS colloquia are scheduled in the fall and spring semesters, usually from 7:00 to 9:00 pm on Wednesday evenings. You will be expected to register for one series as a course (610:502) in a semester before you graduate, preferably towards the end of your studies. Colloquia deal with current issues and some are presented by well known leaders in the field. You are encouraged to attend as many as you can, even when you are not registered for 502. In addition to the regularly scheduled colloquia, there will be other events announced from time to time that you may wish to attend. Watch for announcements posted on the bulletin boards and on the LISSA listserv. Attending professional meetings and conferences will greatly increase your perspective on the profession, and will supplement what you learn in classes in significant ways.
Students who have had no experience in the type of work they wish to pursue should consider taking 610:592. Please note that you should have completed 15 credits before you begin the practicum, and that arrangements must be made a semester in advance. Students pursuing educational media certification should take 610:592 during their last spring semester, together with 610:575.
Here is a quote from a recent graduate:
My internship provided me with invaluable experience about what it is really like to be a librarian. I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who has not worked in a library or, as in my case, has not worked in a library in 20 years. Besides learning a great deal, it was instrumental in my finding full-time employment. I really hope to have the opportunity to work with interns in the future as I feel it is an instrumental part in developing the profession.
Tammy