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| Bethan studied our Librarianship MA |
Whilst being in the midst of impending deadlines and the dread of job applications, I thought it would be a good opportunity to reflect on my year as an MA Librarianship student and a student ambassador for the Information School. Although it is fair to say that certain events (aka a global pandemic) have meant that my experience has been far from normal, it has nevertheless been a highly enjoyable and rewarding year.
I have to say that I was slightly perplexed to be given a box of lego during the first session of ‘Information Organisation’ in Semester 1. However, it very quickly became entirely natural to start arranging the bricks into different categories on a table in the library (probably resulting in a few strange looks). I think this best sums up what I liked most about the course, which is the range of teaching methods and assignments within each module. For example, for ‘Information Literacy’ we were tasked with planning and carrying out a short literacy skills session in groups. Although this was initially daunting, I ended up learning a lot about what makes an effective teaching session, as well as about my own learning style. These are the kinds of skills that I will hopefully be able to put into practice when (job market depending) I am working in the profession.
Another highlight for me was definitely getting the opportunity to visit different types of libraries in Semester 1. This included the Central Library and the Sheffield School’s library service, as well as a day trip to Leeds University. In addition, throughout the year we got to hear from a range of practitioners, many of whom are graduates of the MA Librarianship course. They gave their perspectives on the current issues facing the library and information sector, as well as a discussion about what their job roles entail. Although the majority of these talks towards the end of the year had to happen remotely, it was nevertheless extremely interesting and insightful.
It’s been great to meet people from lots of different backgrounds and ranges of experience on the course, and I have made some fantastic friends (although unfortunately our coffee chats and breakdowns over the amount of reading have had to be moved to WhatsApp and Google hangouts). Having moved from the South of England, I have also really enjoyed living in and exploring Sheffield - as well as being able to take advantage of the low rent prices!
Being a student ambassador for the Information School was a really rewarding experience, as it gave me the chance to talk to prospective students on open days, and get a very fetching iSchool t-shirt. It also meant that I was able to get to know students from different courses within the school, which is something I otherwise would not have had much opportunity to do.
Although this year has definitely been challenging, I have ultimately really enjoyed my time here, and would highly recommend studying at the Information School if you are thinking of doing so!
Bethan Morgan
MA Librarianship
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