I studied history and political science in undergrad because I believe both subjects can help us understand the present and improve the future of our society. I love history but did not feel I could inspire a classroom filled with students every day. Instead of pursuing higher education or a teaching career, I sought and accepted employment at my hometown library. That was about 13 years ago now. Time has a way of passing us all by – doesn’t it?
I believe I have ultimately found my way to library work because libraries feel valuable and safe to me. J.K. Rowling wrote it most brilliantly in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, “When in doubt, go to the library.” No library work is not what one images it to be. For one, it’s remarkably busy all the time; sadly, not always with patrons. But the work of processing, cataloging, inventorying, weeding, etc. is never finished.
I, however, need to seek new challenges and uncover greater rewards. I hope to focus more time and attention on the preservation and documentation of local history. Pursuing and completing a Master’s degree is a long hoped-for endeavor.
This ePortfolio was compiled as part of the coursework for a Website Development class in my pursuit of a Master of Science in Information Sciences at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Due to a full-time work schedule the degree is being completed entirely virtually in distance education courses.