Decisions, decisions! Where should I study?

Following a recent discussion on Twitter and Facebook about the best institution to study Library Science at, we thought we would highlight a few of the available options for studying and beginning your LIS career.

First, we have Paula from Ultimo TAFE tells us about her experience:

In 2017 I decided I wanted a career change and I saw the certificate 4 in Library and information services at Ultimo TAFE as a quick easy way to get a taste of what libraries were about.

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the TAFE environment and I would recommend it as a great first step on a new career path to anyone thinking about working in a library.

The curriculum is focused on skills that are applicable to the real world and there is a useful mix of face to face classes and online learning that meant I could adjust my attendance to suit my other commitments. Classes were never too large and the really fabulous teachers always had time to answer questions and have a chat about the course. The TAFE program requires students to be assessed regularly during the term and I found this not only kept you very focused on the topic, it also meant you knew how you were performing in a subject at all times.

This year I have continued at TAFE and completed the Diploma in Library and Information Services. I feel confident that this course has equipped me to enter the work force with a skill set that will be useful to employers in the modern library space.

The past eighteen months spent at TAFE have been challenging but also really rewarding. I have met some really fabulous people, both staff and students, I have improved and added to my technology skills, I have learnt how to catalogue (!!!!) and I have a new career focus that combines my interest in literature and history with my previous career in customer service.  This is so more than I expected when I went to the TAFE information day in 2017.

Liz, who is currently studying a Master of Education (Teacher Librarianship) at Charles Sturt University had this to say.

Studying through Charles Sturt was the ideal option for me as it is all by distance education, meaning I can study at a time that suits me.  This is vital as I am a mother of five children (6-15) and have a lot of other things on my plate.

The lecturers are all supportive and understanding, as most people complete this degree while working and often while raising a family as well.  While some subjects have webinars scheduled for specific times, these are recorded for viewing later if the time doesn’t suit.

If you study by distance education I would strongly suggest participating in the discussion forums and maybe even creating your own small study group for advice and support.

We would love to hear more about other people’s experiences with studying LIS.  Please comment here or contribute to our Facebook or Twitter discussions.

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