This week we discussed types of libraries which brought up one of the big questions: What do I want to do once I graduate? More specifically, what kind of library do I want to work in?
One option is public libraries. I used to work in a public library and loved it. I like the idea of working with people from different age groups and backgrounds. Youth Services in public libraries interest me a lot. And I love the mission (or at least what I perceive to be the mission) of public libraries: provide information for free to whoever wants it. There's also academic libraries. I really like college and university settings. I love helping people with academic research (I know I could do that at most libraries, but anecdotes indicate that it's more present in academic libraries).
I'm also interested in preservation and archives. I'm interested in rare books and special collections, and I like the idea of doing work that's hands on. I did my librarian interview with someone who works in conservation which made me even more interested in archives (and I got to shrink wrap a book). However, this is where things get slightly more complicated in terms of the degree program. SU offers a Certificate of Advanced Study in Cultural Heritage Preservation. The certificate program is one of the things that drew me to Syracuse. The certificate offers an amazing learning opportunity, and it would probably open up a lot of job opportunities when I graduate. It would also limit or perhaps eliminate my ability to take other electives. I'm worried that if I do the certificate I'll miss out on classes where I could learn about public or academic libraries. The fact that this is a two year program makes things even more pressing. In undergrad there was plenty of time to pick a major. I feel like this a decision I need to make soon.
The truth is that I can see myself being happy working in any of the above options, which is probably a good problem to have.
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