I got my acceptance letter from Simmons College today, the Graduate School of Library and Information Science. So I'm going to Boston. I don't think Library Science is what I want to do for the rest of my life, but it seems like a good start. In the end, though, I want to be the one writing those scholarly papers, not just helping people research them.
The thing is I keep getting more and more convinced during this year that I do want to go into academia, and if teaching is what I have to do, then maybe I could do it. I'm writing my SIP on The Faerie Queene and all of the research I'm doing is making me realize that I really want to get a masters in Renaissance Literature. I also love linguistics. Getting accepted to this grad program is kind of scary because there are so many other things I want to do. I feel as though choosing one option would send me down a path that wouldn't lead to the others. I want to get my Library Science masters because I want to be able to earn money someday. I feel like this is the smart thing to do, but I don't know if I want to be smart.
Posted by linnea at February 22, 2005 6:21 PMcongratulations on your acceptance! i wouldn't worry about all those options. i'm sure you'll be where it's best for you.
Posted by: jose at February 22, 2005 6:44 PMCongratulations!!!!
Even though you didn't ask for it, I'm going to offer a couple of tips. ;)
First, get yourself a copy of The Chicago Guide to Your Academic Career. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0226301516/qid=1109115712/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/103-7578252-0117459?v=glance&s=books&n=507846) It'll be helpful for you even now in Library school. It's just general enough to helpful for a wide cross-section of disciplines (in the humanities--hard sciences are different); yet specific enough to actually be helpful. It has great stuff in it from finding a grad program and choosing an advisor, to knowing how to maneuver your way in academia, to preparing conference papers/abstracts, etc, etc. I love mine. (Cov's library ought to have a copy. If they don't, they should get one!)
Secondly, go to Library school is a great idea. I've read a lot about what people are doing, and I get the impression that many have wonderfully rich research lives as university library employees. You may find articles in The Chronicle of Higher Ed (chronicle.com) about it. For example, this blog (http://householdopera.typepad.com/household_opera/) is written by an English PhD who hated teaching, ditched the scrounge for a tenure-track job, and heartily embraced the library. By all accounts, it seems that she couldn't be happier. If you don't really like teaching, I wouldn't recommend trying to get a job as a professor. I think you can have a seriously good future as a scholar in the realm of Library. However, you might surprise yourself and actually like teaching, so you should try to get an assistantship at some point to get some exposure.
Also, if you really want to research/be a scholar whatever. Skip the master's. It's only worth it if you want to teach highschool and get a little higher pay. You can probably find a direct stream-lined PhD program somewhere. Getting a PhD isn't all that big deal anyway, but if you don't have one, certain doors will always be closed.
For now, though, congratulations on your acceptance to grad school! Hope you take some time to celebrate!!
Posted by: Jeannette at February 22, 2005 6:52 PMthanks, Jeannette, I knew you'd have something helpful to say.
Posted by: linnea at February 23, 2005 12:56 AMwhee! my cousin did this route and really loves what she does. Cool choice. :)
Posted by: amy k at February 23, 2005 1:28 AMcongrats from the black sheeps of the family,unclejoel
Posted by: joel at February 23, 2005 5:11 PMThey will all bow to you and your eternal pose and unstoppable cuteness.
Posted by: Deke at February 24, 2005 5:09 AMYeah that's pretty cool
Posted by: Wilhamish at February 24, 2005 7:42 PM