Grant Recipient Comments On MLS Degree

By Teresa Fenton ("Making It Real" MLS Grant recipient)

As I approach the end of my M.L.S. course load, I am beginning to appreciate the persistence of those who have been down this road before me. Being the recipient of this grant has been an honor. It has allowed me the opportunity to fulfill my goal of becoming a librarian.

There are many advantages to taking distance education courses. One is that you are allowed freedom to set your own study pace. Having one week to complete assignments gives a student plenty of time to prioritize study time and other life responsibilities. Another bonus advantage is the input you receive from your classmates. Having classmates from around the globe gave me a different perspective on everything in the library field. It is fascinating to hear first-hand how a library in Britain indexes its collection and how a library in Israel is built.

The only disadvantage is the lack of a campus connection. I have been unable to meet my professors or visit the campus over the past year. I am communicating with the ILS Department at SCSU (Southern Connecticut State University) to begin an on-campus orientation program for distance learning students. I will, however, be traveling to Connecticut to pick up my diploma soon.

Job Search

Job openings currently listed on the NNYLN’s website include:

• The Plattsburgh Public Library has an opening for a Library Director II.

• Paul Smith’s College is seeking a Library Technician/Circulation.

• SUNY Oswego’s Penfield Library has an opening for a Coordinator of Access Services, and for a Coordinator of Collection Development.

• The North Country Library System in Watertown is seeking a Consultant Librarian.

Full details on each position may be found on the Network's website at www.nnyln.org/jobsearch.php.

Tips from "Weeding: Collection Development’s Evil Twin"

The "Weeding: Collection Development’s Evil Twin" workshop took place in Plattsburgh on May 30, and was presented by Marc Wildman, SUNY Cortland.

As one might imagine, part of the discussion concerned options about the disposal of discarded items. Mr. Wildman told the group about companies that will take discarded library items and in some cases, even send the packing materials the library will need, arrange for pick up of the boxes, and pay mailing costs. Two companies offering these services are:

BetterWorld Books and bLogistics. For more information on these companies, check their websites at: www.BetterWorld.com and www.blogistics.com.