MLIS (Masters in Library and Information Studies)

Weepsie

It and registration have gotten to work and fixed my issues, now I see blackboard I wish I hadnt (i could legitimately claim ignorance of the work until now).

I'm guessing Dr. Shankar didn't want to look for Roebuck as she has moved out classes to Engineering building. Ill be glad of it on the rainy days but being stuck in the same room for 4 hours in a row is never nice!

Shammers

Has anyone else encountered problems with the quiz for Info & Ref - I got the 100%, but Blackboard hasn't given me an option to view and print it to prove it's done and dusted?!

And tomorrow looks like a long aul day!

parker kent

Shammers wrote: »

Has anyone else encountered problems with the quiz for Info & Ref - I got the 100%, but Blackboard hasn't given me an option to view and print it to prove it's done and dusted?!

And tomorrow looks like a long aul day!

The module co-ordinator will know you have completed it. They can track everything you do on Blackboard.

eclectichoney

Out of interest, how many students are registered for either the Grad Dip or the MLIS this year do ye know?

Linho

the west wing wrote: »

How did everyone get on?

Overall I thought it was grand. Web publishing sounds a bit scary, but really anything to do with computers scares the crap out of me!

Didn't love Archives Preservation, mainly though because of the lecturer. Found it boring though the content was interesting.

Management for Information Professionals was like Weepsie said fine. The course seems a little wishy washy but it seems relatively easy. Though was anyone else like 'wtf' when she says we have to bring snacks for the class!?!? Can't we all just bring food if we want to?

I was looking out for Boardsies but alas came across none

Like what the hell with the snacks....I thought I heard that wrong...rota to bring snacks for 40 people in the class...????

Weepsie

Shammers wrote: »

Has anyone else encountered problems with the quiz for Info & Ref - I got the 100%, but Blackboard hasn't given me an option to view and print it to prove it's done and dusted?!

And tomorrow looks like a long aul day!

Just did it there, it's saved in the grades bit, no certificate or anything like that. I was hoping for Chicago style referencing, that'll take a wee adjustment.

The national college of Ireland's website has a fairly in depth guide of it for anyone and a quick guide too.

I just saw that I've been put into a group for a tour in the morning, I doubt ill be out in UCD by 8.30.

Edit:-- Anyone who was considering HRM Techniques on thursday, it's full according to the registration. Considering dropping the web publishing not sure though

The notice seems to suggest that these are the capstone groups, where as I was under the impression people could form their own teams, though this could be just for the initial process of it.

saraocallaghan

Hey all,

Just to answer the question on why people didn't like Mgt for Info Prof. It was most definitely lecturer based. The entire module is wishy washy but the lecturer didn't make it any better. Now I didn't mind it but I already had a business degree going into that. But the lecturer last year is out on leave this year so possibly there will be a different attitude.

Ah, Dr. Souden. She was my Capstone supervisor this summer and is lovely! Very American but earnest and very approachable! With regards to snacks, it's up to the class. I think it's her way of getting people to socialise with each other and have a nice break. But don't feel under obligation to actually provide the snacks. I know what it's like to work on a tight budget and buying food for your classmates doesn't usually get scheduled into that. Just say it to her and let her know. She'll be awesome about it.

Hope that helps, any other questions let me know!

plainone

Shammers wrote: »

Has anyone else encountered problems with the quiz for Info & Ref - I got the 100%, but Blackboard hasn't given me an option to view and print it to prove it's done and dusted?!

And tomorrow looks like a long aul day!

Do you mean the plagiarism quiz?

I did it but I didn't get a result

saraocallaghan

plainone wrote: »

Do you mean the plagiarism quiz?

Anybody know if we are marked on that?

As I recall from last year, no you're not marked on it but it is required for info and ref when you had your assignments in. It has to be attached to your submission as long with your cover sheet and your assignment.

eepha

eclectichoney wrote: »

Out of interest, how many students are registered for either the Grad Dip or the MLIS this year do ye know?

I think there are 75 ish overall. Or did someone say over 80? Somewhere around that figure anyway.

Shammers wrote: »

Has anyone else encountered problems with the quiz for Info & Ref - I got the 100%, but Blackboard hasn't given me an option to view and print it to prove it's done and dusted?!

I can't find the certificate they promised either!

Weepsie

I was just on changing my modules and noticed that some of the modules that had been listed as full are no longer listed as such. Not the archives ones though. I've given myself a little bit more work to do in the second semester but with the expectation that they're the module's I'd hope to do well in.

I think I might sit in on the web publishing anyway and attempt to pick it up as much as possible

Miss Smilla

the west wing wrote: »

Can I ask why this module was so hated? I was thinking of doing either that or Professional Issues in Information and Library Careers. Does anyone have any info on Pro Issues?

As already mentioned, the lecturer was 100% the problem though as she is now on leave the course might be ok. Who is taking it this year?

Miss Smilla

Weepsie wrote: »

I was just on changing my modules and noticed that some of the modules that had been listed as full are no longer listed as such. Not the archives ones though. I've given myself a little bit more work to do in the second semester but with the expectation that they're the module's I'd hope to do well in.

I think I might sit in on the web publishing anyway and attempt to pick it up as much as possible

Strongly recommend going heavy on modules in semester 1. Semester 2 core mods were harder/more demanding/more time consuming and somehow the enthusiasm you start the course with really does fade. Also, Capstone prep will start to eat into your time. Be kind to yourself!

Miss Smilla

The notice seems to suggest that these are the capstone groups, where as I was under the impression people could form their own teams, though this could be just for the initial process of it.[/QUOTE]

You are definitely allowed put your own group together. It's funny but by Christmas you'll have a pretty good idea of who you could/not work with.

I did Capstone and it worked out well-get the right group/supervisor and it's a lot less taxing than an individual thesis.

Weepsie

Miss Smilla wrote: »

Strongly recommend going heavy on modules in semester 1. Semester 2 core mods were harder/more demanding/more time consuming and somehow the enthusiasm you start the course with really does fade. Also, Capstone prep will start to eat into your time. Be kind to yourself!

I know, thats my only qualm. They kind of forced our hands by telling us to finalise it by yesterday and I was inbetween 1 in first or one of 2 in the second.

Went into it thinking I pretty much had it all picked and sorted, but some of them i hadnt considered initially are rather interesting.

raher1

After many posts is the ucd course better or worse than most English courses?

reddan

kopite4 wrote: »

After many posts is the ucd course better or worse than most English courses?

I did the course last year and I found it excellent to be honest. I came from an arts undergraduate degree background and it gave me the chance to pick up some very practical skills, report writing, presentation and getting used to group dynamics, as well as having a bang at some techie subjects that I usually wouldn't have thought of doing.

All in all a really good course. The capstone thing, although annoyingly demanding, is a lot more practical than writing an individual thesis on some obscure library subject. I'm in London at the moment temping, and the capstone report that we did has come across really well in my interivews.

Weepsie

kopite4 wrote: »

After many posts is the ucd course better or worse than most English courses?

By English courses, you meaning an English degree or as I was thinking courses in the UK?

raher1

I meant uk college courses.sorry late on.

Chinafoot

kopite4 wrote: »

I meant uk college courses.sorry late on.

The course in Aberystwyth is good. For years it was the only place you could go to become qualified, and when I say "go" I mean go. There was a time when you had to actually attend the college in Wales. No such thing as distance learning.

The current course outline is:

Information & Society - 20 credits
Studies in Management - 20 credits
Information Organisation and Retrieval - 20 credits
Information Services : Planning for delivery - 20 credits
Research in the Profession - 10 credits
Collection Management - 10 credits

You then pick two 10 credit option modules (I did Focus on the Child: Libraries & Literature and Digital Information: from discovery to delivery) and then you complete a dissertation.

raher1

chinafoot
why is this course better than ucd?

Chinafoot

kopite4 wrote: »

chinafoot
why is this course better than ucd?

Well, I can't really comment on content as obviously I haven't done the UCD course. However, I did my undergraduate degree in UCD and, as a result, would be incredibly reluctant to attend the university again. But thats just me.

A number of my colleagues who did this course in UCD do not speak highly of it and have recommended others considering the qualification to look into the Aberystwyth course.

In terms of reputation, the Aberystwyth course is internationally recognised and continues to hold a lot of weight. In terms of library qualifications the UCD course is still regarded as being relatively new whereas this course would be very well known in the library world.

Also, the fact that you can do this course while continuing to work full-time is a huge plus as far as I am concerned. As far as progression in the library profession is concerned experience is a huge factor. Personally, I think anyone who undertakes a qualification like this without actually having worked in a library (and the 6 weeks experience does not count) is insane. There is absolutely no way to know that the job is for you without actually doing it. Taking a year to do a course like this is a huge commitment which could end up being a waste of time when people realise the job is rather different to what they thought.

In my honest opinion, I think that those undertaking a qualification like this should have a substantial amount of experience, and should preferably be employed in a library position. The amount of unrealistic people leaving courses like this, calling themselves a librarian, is such a pity. But again, thats just my opinion.

eclectichoney

Great post Chinafoot - the gulf between people's idea/perception of what working in a library is like and what the reality is, is vast. There should be a min of 6 month work experience requirement imo - it is not fair on colleges to take thousands of euro from people with no real experience, who ultimately have no real chance of getting a job and are just wasting their time and money - and destined for disappointment. At least if people have a more accurate idea of what working in a library actually entails, they can make a more informed decision before making the investment.

ambersand

I'm doing the UCD masters and am quite pleased with it so far. The core modules are okay, but the choice modules are where the strength of the course lies, as far as I can see. The course seems to be undergoing a complete shift towards the digital/electronic aspect if that's where your interest lies, and there's also an emphasis on the 'information' aspect as opposed to a strict 'librarianship' qualification (whilst still having a lot of options to go down the more traditional route). Personally, I'm not sure how well I'd manage doing a distance-learning course, although I have heard from people in the industry who have done the Aberystwyth course that it's a great option too.

Chinafoot wrote: »

The amount of unrealistic people leaving courses like this, calling themselves a librarian, is such a pity. But again, thats just my opinion.

But why wouldn't they call themselves a librarian, or at least 'qualified to be a librarian'? They've done an internationally recognised course, usually at a great financial cost to themselves (if done full-time, there's very little option to actually work to finance it). The people who are just doing it for the sake of getting a masters will either be weeded out in the class or weeded out when it comes to getting employment in the real world.

eclectichoney wrote: »

who ultimately have no real chance of getting a job and are just wasting their time and money - and destined for disappointment. At least if people have a more accurate idea of what working in a library actually entails, they can make a more informed decision before making the investment.

I think most people in my class are well aware of the lack of job opportunities available to us when we leave. The same applies to nearly every masters that can be done in college at the moment. I'm not sure why anbody would do a (generally unpaid) work experience placement for 6 weeks if they weren't dedicated. Maybe a small percentage do, but again, these people are probably ripe for weeding.

eclectichoney

ambersand wrote: »

But why wouldn't they call themselves a librarian, or at least 'qualified to be a librarian'? They've done an internationally recognised course, usually at a great financial cost to themselves (if done full-time, there's very little option to actually work to finance it). The people who are just doing it for the sake of getting a masters will either be weeded out in the class or weeded out when it comes to getting employment in the real world.



I think most people in my class are well aware of the lack of job opportunities available to us when we leave. The same applies to nearly every masters that can be done in college at the moment. I'm not sure why anbody would do a (generally unpaid) work experience placement for 6 weeks if they weren't dedicated. Maybe a small percentage do, but again, these people are probably ripe for weeding.

A course does not a librarian maketh - I think that is the point a lot of people make, and I would go along with it to be honest.

I think the employment situation is particularly bad in the case of the MLIS compared with other Masters degrees because 90% of the employment is in the public sector where there is a recruitment embargo - unlike finance, IT, management etc. Throw in the added difficulty that a lot of people are working in contract / short term placements in libraries these days and often have an 'inside track' as internal candidates for any vacancies that do pop up - meaning new grads are really up against it.

Working for 6 weeks for free is dedicated / committed? I know many recent grads who have worked for over a year in voluntary placements / unpaid internships and still have barely had an interview for a paid library job. How does one keep going in that situation, even if you desperately want to work in the profession? It's very disappointing for the individuals - and I don't think people are aware how difficult it really is, and in my opinion the situation is getting worse and will continue to do so I'm thinking of all the shiny passionate future grads who might be setting themselves up for a hard slog, as I know how disappointed / frustrated I have been over the past couple of years since graduating.

Weepsie

Chinafoot wrote: »

In my honest opinion, I think that those undertaking a qualification like this should have a substantial amount of experience, and should preferably be employed in a library position. The amount of unrealistic people leaving courses like this, calling themselves a librarian, is such a pity. But again, thats just my opinion.

This is where I would tend to disagree. I am currently doing it and have made it clear that being a librarian is not really my end goal. There is an awful lot of the course which is applicable to other fields of study. My plan is to do further study if it is viable, and I doubt I'm the only one.

It's a bigger problem that people go into it thinking that it's designed to make you a librarian. That is only a part of the course. There is so much that can be applied to social sciences, digital humanities, media courses professions and various others.

My only problem is my choice of one or maybe 2 modules. I went into it quite negatively, especially after having to turn down a place in my dream college, but although I'm finding it difficult to leave bad habits behind and get everything in order, but thats my own fault (though the things i dont like, i find it hard to bother doing the reading).

I do agree, that if someone's end goal is to be a librarian specifically, experience is as important, if not more so.

It's a master's degree, it's going to be difficult, there is going to be a lot of work. I imagine most people are aware of this

ambersand

eclectichoney wrote: »

A course does not a librarian maketh - I think that is the point a lot of people make, and I would go along with it to be honest.

It goes a great deal of the way, though. When you qualify as a doctor, you're a doctor (or: a course does a doctor maketh). And as mentioned elsewhere here, the course has recognised the need to diversify, and so can qualify you to work in other areas not necessarily restricted to librarianship.

eclectichoney wrote: »

I think the employment situation is particularly bad in the case of the MLIS compared with other Masters degrees because 90% of the employment is in the public sector where there is a recruitment embargo - unlike finance, IT, management etc. Throw in the added difficulty that a lot of people are working in contract / short term placements in libraries these days and often have an 'inside track' as internal candidates for any vacancies that do pop up - meaning new grads are really up against it.

This may be true, but there are so many factors you're omitting that it's nearly pointless to state: what are the percentage of non-public companies hiring in comparison to those who are firing/making redundant? Are the instances of internship higher in finance/management than in areas of librarianship? Does your masters in finance/management travel with you in other countries? How is your university perceived in terms of business in these countries?

But yeah, it'll be incredibly difficult. Hopefully the future prospects of the economy in conjunction with the ability to emigrate (with a nice shiny masters) will help ease this process.

Weepsie

I don't think the doctor is a good example. Seven years minimum and hundreds of hours of work placements in hospitals are what make you a doctor. Then it can take up to another 4/5 years to become any sort of specialist.

eclectichoney

ambersand wrote: »

It goes a great deal of the way, though. When you qualify as a doctor, you're a doctor (or: a course does a doctor maketh). And as mentioned elsewhere here, the course has recognised the need to diversify, and so can qualify you to work in other areas not necessarily restricted to librarianship.



This may be true, but there are so many factors you're omitting that it's nearly pointless to state: what are the percentage of non-public companies hiring in comparison to those who are firing/making redundant? Are the instances of internship higher in finance/management than in areas of librarianship? Does your masters in finance/management travel with you in other countries? How is your university perceived in terms of business in these countries?

But yeah, it'll be incredibly difficult. Hopefully the future prospects of the economy in conjunction with the ability to emigrate (with a nice shiny masters) will help ease this process.

At least job turnover / churn in other sectors gives more opportunities to those unemployed to apply etc. for jobs even if it is a zero sum game essentially. Also yes, most qualifications can be 'travelled with'. As far as I am aware I would not think that the degree in UCD is particularly well perceived internationally (not saying it has a bad rep but I believe your point was the opposite)?


As Weepsie stated - a large % of clinical training is hospital-based, ergo not comparable really with a one year Masters.

parker kent

I'm presuming the poster that said that just used the example of a doctor without thinking it through (as in right idea, wrong example). If the MLIS had the amount of actual practical experience that any doctor gets in their education (obviously far longer than a one-year masters), then you could compare them. But as it stands, 6 weeks work experience is no way comparable to the training a doctor receives.

Plus the masters is about more than libraries. It is something often missed by people applying for the course and even many who graduate, but it is a masters in library AND information studies. So that can lead to mildly disillusioned students when they realise it is not exactly as they hoped (of course there will be many more who don't make this mistake, but there are always a number of people in the MLIS unhappy).

It would be interesting to see the stats UCD compile on graduates. I wonder what percentage of MLIS grads in the last 3-4 years are in paid library positions? I imagine those with just the 6 weeks experience would find it extremely difficult. As electichoney says, as there are people out there with vastly more experience struggling to get even an interview.

As for the ability to "travel" with the MLIS from UCD, I don't see it as being particularly well regarded world-wide. Now that is very different from being poorly regarded, but most countries tend to focus on their own universities. Only a small amount of Universities have strong reputations around the world. Outside of Ireland and perhaps the UK, I'm not sure how recognisable UCD will be to employers.

The MLIS in UCD is a mixed bag. I enjoyed it whilst having reservations about certain aspects which I've talked about earlier in the thread.