NCompass Live - http://nlc.nebraska.gov/NCompassLive/ Sept. 15, 2021 Nebraska Library Commission employees who are currently taking college-level coursework in Library Science talk about their decision to take classes, share details about their program experience, and discuss what it’s like to be in Library School right now. What are they glad they did to prepare? What might they do differently? What are they looking forward to, as they progress ahead? Catch them as the fall semester takes off! This discussion will be useful for people thinking about enrolling in a Library Science program, switching programs, going back to finish programs, or anyone who knows people who might find themselves in those positions. Program experience discussed will include: University of Omaha’s Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science and San Jose State University’s iSchool. Nebraska Library Commission Presenters: Amy Irons, Talking Book & Braille Service Book Circulation Technician; Lynda Clause, ILL Staff Assistant.

1. LIBRARY SCHOOL
AND THE
LIBRARY WORKER
NCompass Live Session
09/15/2021

2. MEET THE PEOPLE
Lynda Clause, Inter-Library Loan (ILL) & Reference Staff Technician at
the Nebraska Library Commission (NLC). Currently also an MLIS
student at San Jose State University’s iSchool.
Amy Irons, Talking Book & Braille Services (TBBS) Staff Technician at
NLC. Currently also a student in University of Nebraska-Omaha’s
Library Science program.
Christa Porter, who’s done with library school, but who remembers
what being in school was like! She completed her Master of Library
Science at the University Center at Albany, Albany, New York, 1991.
Christa will be watching for incoming questions, and is our very
capable showrunner. She’s the Library Development Director at NLC,
and host of these weekly NCompass Live webinars.

3. SOME RELEVANT
STATS
• One-third of working learners are 30
or older.
• Out of the 14 million working learners,
19 percent have children.
• Twenty-five percent of all working
learners are simultaneously employed
full-time and enrolled in college full-
time.
• About 40 percent of undergraduates
and 76 percent of graduate students
work at least 30 hours a week.
• https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-
reports/workinglearners/

4. SOME ACRONYMS TO KNOW
FAFSA. (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
PSLF. (Public Service Loan Forgiveness)
https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-
cancellation/public-service
ALA. (American Library Association)
https://www.ala.org/educationcareers/accreditedprograms/directory
MLS, MLIS, and more!
https://www.ala.org/educationcareers/accreditedprograms/faq#degr
ee_name_differences
GRE. (Graduate Record Examination) You might not have to take it!
https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/about

5. FINDING A PROGRAM
Ask the people you work with, especially the ones who share your
interests or approaches to problem-solving
ALA has a list:
https://www.ala.org/educationcareers/accreditedprograms/directory
Social media groups—not your only source, hopefully, but a good way
to get more information, and to get recent information
Check any school’s websites for requirements for GRE, residency,
tuition, languages
If the program is online, make sure what the in-person requirements
are, if any
Your employer or your union might have education benefits—even if
that hasn’t been expressed to you as an option.

6. YOU’LL GET A LOT OF
ADVICE
Some of it is good advice
for you, some of it is good
advice for others!

7. KEEPING IT PROFESSIONAL
Err on the side of formality with professors. You don’t know what
they had to go through to get to where they are.
Sometimes class discussions get casual, but watch how casual you
go.
Everybody is going to see everything behind you on Zoom. This is not
good or bad, but it’s in your control.
Group work. Treat people in your groups how you would want to be
treated. More on group work later, because I know everyone loves
group assignments!
If you’re talking in social media groups geared towards your cohort,
don’t assume what you’re saying stays in the group

8. SOME THINGS TO SET UP FOR
YOURSELF
The earlier you do these things, the better, but it’s never too late
A dedicated place for schoolwork. If this is at home, have a backup.
If you’re doing schoolwork at home, the fastest internet package you
can afford
Boundaries with your friends, family, and family of choice. This will
not be a one-and-done conversation, I’m sorry.
Talk to other people in your same situation, either in your classes,
existing friends and family, or online.
As much health care as you can get, but especially: VISION CARE for
those who have sight. Is it time for reading glasses? Computer
glasses?

9. TAKE BREAKS!
REMEMBER TO BREATHE!
Touch grass!

10. I ALREADY KNOW THIS? I THINK?
Something that comes up for people who are doing further study in the field
they already work in—do I want to keep studying what I already do, or do I
want to learn something else?
Don’t limit yourself, but don’t unmoor yourself. Do some research on your
own before you commit to a class. Be aware of drop deadlines.
Your feelings may change, and may change again
I already know this? Actually, you might not. A familiar path might have
some surprises
In group work, it’s good to clarify your level of familiarity with any topic or
project or assignment
It’s okay to research a familiar topic. Communicate with your professor or
program with any questions regarding this.

11. I ALREADY KNOW THIS?
AND I KNOW I DON’T LIKE IT?
Group work!
You will have to do it!
It’s better than it was in undergrad!
The best way to learn about other jobs, other libraries, and other
perspectives
In group work, it’s good to clarify your level of familiarity with any
topic or project or assignment
Clear agendas and group charters. You are no one else’s manager.
Professors know what’s going on.
There will be surprises. Professors know that. Communicate with
them about it.

12. DON’T AIM FOR
PERFECTION
DO AIM TO LEARN
Even if you’re used to
being the best, even if you
hate making mistakes, the
most important thing
you’ll learn is to let that go

13. WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE MY FIRST
LIBRARY JOB?
This presentation has mostly been geared towards library workers in library
school, but…
Your program will help you find work! Talk to your adviser.
Use program resources to get an internship as early in the process as
possible
Take advantage of any reduced rate for professional organizations or
conferences—this applies even if you’re already working in a library.
Sign up for email lists using your personal email, so you will still have access
even after you graduate—again, this applies even if you’re already working
in a library.
While conferences still offer virtual options, attend as many as you can
If you’re in Nebraska, check out NLC’s Library Education classes:
http://nlc.nebraska.gov/CE/index.aspx?menu

14. SELF-CARE FOR THE WORKING
STUDENT
Don’t quit. Your program will have resources to help you if you feel
like quitting. You might be able to take a semester off if you have a
big life event that makes school feel impossible.
If possible, have some scheduled nights, days, or weekend days
where you do not do any homework.
Schedule your homework time and re-schedule as needed. You could
do homework 24 hours a day if you let that happen—don’t let that
happen.
Plan easy nutrition, which is a whole other webinar.
Take full advantage of any counseling or health care your program
provides.

15. BE KIND TO YOURSELF You can do it!

16. TECHNICAL TIPS AND MATERIALS
Using a tablet to read PDFs can give you more flexibility
Depending on your tablet or device, you might be able to set a night
reading function that is easier on your eyes
Your college or university library is your very good friend. They can
help you and they want to help you.
Interlibrary Loan might be a possibility for your textbooks.
Social media groups for students at your school might be another
source for used textbooks
Still want to read for pleasure? Audiobooks!

17. REFERENCES
https://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/connections/seven-keys-
graduate-school-success
https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-
life/working-full-time-in-grad-school/
https://campusphilly.org/2021/06/10/5-tips-to-survive-graduate-
school-working-full-time-during-a-pandemic/
https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/workinglearners/
https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/learnandearn/
Personal experience
Private social media groups

18. THANK YOU FOR
ATTENDING
Recording and
Slideshow will be available
online after the session