How was your Thanksgiving/thursday?

@bestVase7265

Hi, Vase, Just one BA degree. I had hoped to go through an MLIS program to work as a librarian/reseacher/curator/archivist/analyst. Some Masters in Library and Information Science programs focus on only one of those, usually librarian. And some MLIS programs only focus on K through 12 librarians in schools. I hope to find a program that includes preparation for librarian/researcher/curator/archivist/analyst. I don't want to work in a K through 12 school. I don't want to limit myself. When I graduate I want to be able to apply for librarian jobs and researcher jobs and analyst jobs and curator jobs and archivist jobs. I might even switch after some years and go from librarian to researcher. I think those are my top two choices; librarian and researcher. I'd love to work in a university library, or public library or specialized library. I'd love to help research in science.

That's too much information, huh?

@bestVase7265

I've found 2 more schools. I should find a third. I started my new job this week, so I am overwhelmed a bit. And I am sick, unfortunately. I think it's a cold. I'll get to finding the third school as soon as I can...hopefully tomorrow.

@bestVase7265

Hi, Vase,

Sorry for the delay. I couldn't face "getting excited" about these schools. I am almost 60. Honestly, I'm not excited about any of these schools. It's a way for me to get a good paying, stable job for the end of my life. I'm happy that they offer programs that offer more diverse study paths. I'm happy that I might be able to afford them. I'm happy that they are online. lol Applying to them and waiting to see if I am accepted--again--is just more torture. It's not an enjoyable exercise in my life.

So I put off this exercise for starting to fill out my applications. I did.

One of my 3 schools has been dismissed because they want me to take a millers analogies test or a GRE. I'm not going to do that.

But, I know that you are right. I think I just have to twist the narrarative to "what interests me" in these programs at these schools. And maybe, how these programs speak to me.

Does that sound like a good way to approach the assignment you gave to me?

How is your life? When does your busy time end? And how is your cold? I hope you're feeling better.

@bestVase7265

Thank God they didn't find anything worrisome/horrible. I can only imagine what that must feel like...waiting for results that could change your life.

Yes, I'm off for two weeks. While I appreciate the time off, I need the money. But I'm going to work on my applications. My goal is to finish them or be just about ready to submit by the end of my break on the 5th.

If you're still willing, I'd love your help with my apps. I've been researching the department and program website of one school and am ready to begin on my questions. They have 5 questions that they want a one paragraph answer to, approximately 150 words. I've got a little written on all but one. Do you want me to write the questions here and write my answers as well? Only if you feel up to it.

Thanks.

@bestVase7265

Thanks, Vase! I finished all of my essays to the point that I have something written for each. Now they need cleaning up.

For each of their questions, the U of M gives the following instructions; "please 1. answer each question with a paragraph of around 150 words." I have to warn you that my first answers feels frenetic to me. Question, "1. People are an essential aspect of the information professions, from the creators to the users, from colleagues to vendors. Describe your philosophy regarding the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the information professions."

My answer,

"Libraries should be a haven for diversity and inclusion. To be a great library, the literature selections should embrace all ideas around any given subject(s). That diversity can only come from a diverse cross-section of humanity; from the writers to the readers to the vendors and colleagues. Respect for the diverse stakeholders of diverse literature is the way to encourage such literature writing, reading, discussion, and offering. In addition to respect, inclusion is of the utmost importance. It makes a safe space to express diverse thoughts that we each, individually, value. Only in that safe place can humanity continue to expand respect for one another and advance some of the most beautiful ideas, such as, we are all different, yet all the same. Diversity is essential to keep discussion going, to further our thinking. That evolution of discussion is essential to keep intelligent thinking alive."

@bestVase7265

Thanks, Vase. I'll get on that one right away. Here is question 2. *Technology is another essential aspect of work in the information professions. It is used in many aspects of our work as individuals, and for collaborating as professionals. During the course of your degree, you will be required to use a variety of technologies to create and to collaborate. Describe some ways that you have used technology either personally, professionally, or both.

I’ve used technology in what are everyday ways to me; budgting, blogging, emailing, sharing pictures, art, writing a book, making Skype calls, preparing documents and spreadsheets, and lots of researching. I choose to connect to the world on my laptop. At work I’ve used technology in computers since computers were invented. I’ve used it to file, sort, track, and mine information, in ways such as, writing macros, printing thousands to labels to send out the latest book, customer service, and to oversee and control $1.5 million in donations for each and every day. It required detective work to be accurate, and that speaks to my need to be organized and clear in my files. I expect to use it to collaborate with peers, professors and the public in the future. We’ll have discussions and attend classes on Zoom and share documents in Microsoft Office. There will also be future softwares that are only in development that will help us connect and deliver content to the world.

@bestVase7265

I didn't understand your comment between "respect for the diverse stakehoolders...it makes." Did you want me to delete all that?

I rewrote the paragraph. Your edits that I understood are brilliant. It makes all the difference. Please ignore the change in fonts. I don't know how to fix that here. Here is the rewrite...

Libraries should be a haven for diversity and inclusion. To be a great library, literature selections should embrace all ideas around any given subject. That diversity can only come from a cross-section of humanity, from the writers to the readers to the vendors and colleagues, from Jewish to black, indigenous to immigrant, Catholic to agnostic, republican to independent, non-binary to transgender, female to male, 12 years old to 80 years old, mentally disabled to movement disabled, oppressed to free and all the categories in between and around. Libraries should be a safe space to express diverse thoughts that we each, individually, value. Only in that safe place can humanity continue to expand respect for one another and advance some of the most beautiful ideas, such as, we are all different, yet all the same.

@bestVase7265

I love your edits. They're brilliant.

I sent you the rewrite for the first question response but 7cups didn't post it. This is frustrating. I don't know what happened to it. Here is the rewrite...

Libraries should be a haven for diversity and inclusion. To be a great library, literature selections should embrace all ideas around any given subject. That diversity can only come from a cross-section of humanity, from the writers to the readers to the vendors and colleagues, from Jewish to black, indigenous to immigrant, Catholic to agnostic, republican to independent, non-binary to transgender, female to male, 12 years old to 80 years old, mentally disabled to movement disabled, oppressed to free and all the categories in between and around. Libraries should be a safe space to express diverse thoughts that we each, individually, value. Only in that safe place can humanity continue to expand respect for one another and advance some of the most beautiful ideas, such as, we are all different, yet all the same.

@bestVase7265

Thank you so much.

Here is the bad news. My laptop with my essay questions and answers on it died tonight. I am currently doing a restore files to this computer to see if the files are there. This bullsh*t only happens to me. I'll get you the next question and my answers asap. (heavy sigh)

@bestVase7265

Hallelujah, it looks like I recovered them. Thank you God.

I've done enough work on this today. I'll get back to it and send you the next question and answer tomorrow.

Good night.

@bestVase7265

HI, Vase,

Here is the next question...#3 The information professions are fundamentally interdisciplinary. How has your unique background (e.g., your education and your experience) prepared you for work in this field?

I have worked as a technical specialist in publishing, at an ethics institute and in their library, a donations specialist at a world class animal preservation organization, in a library as a secretary, at an engineering firm as an office manager where I held a mid-level security clearance, and in other various professions. I was born with a facial birth defect at a time when the medical profession believed a child needed to grow into their teenage bones before corrective surgery could be done. This gave me the perspective to understand inclusion and diversity. In university, I studied philosophy and ethics. In my 30s, I became a licensed private pilot, which taught me physics, meteorology, communication, aviation, navigation, and more. In my 40s, I suffered a traumatic event that left me with ptsd, which left me disabled. This taught me that mental health services need to be increased. I hope background serves me well in my desired profession as an information scientist.

Thank you, Vase!

How are your holidays going? How are you feeling?

@bestVase7265

Hi, Vase,

Here is the rewrite for the second question. I don't think I did a good job at the end of the paragraph. What do you think?

I’ve used technology in what are everyday ways to me; budgeting, blogging, emailing, sharing pictures, art, writing a book, making Skype calls, preparing documents and spreadsheets, and lots of researching. For instance, easily discovering why a particular supplement sold alone and mixed into a popular multi-vitamin, caused me to feel so good. The manufacturer of the multi-vitamin didn’t know, and doctors didn’t know. They all wanted the research I did. I’ve used it to file, sort, track, and mine information including writing macros, printing thousands to labels, customer service, and overseeing and controlling $1.5 million in donations. It required detective work to be accurate and that speaks to my need to be organized and clear in my files. I expect to use technology to collaborate with peers, professors and the public in the future. We’ll have discussions and attend classes on Zoom and share documents in Microsoft Office. I also hope to be able to help library patrons develop information literacy and navigate the news and social media to discern what is fake.

Thanks again!

This one just needs a few minor adjustments.

Using one of my two laptops, I will attend classes and discussions with Zoom (capitalize) or the chosen web-conferencing software. I also plan to practice active listening to gain the most from professors and peers. I love to ask questions, so I will be asking many. Add in a sentence about answering questions and giving feedback to fellow students. I prefer to stay on top of assignments and do then immediately instead of procrastinating. I believe it’s the only way to work as my opinion is that (delete) it’s better to do work as soon as possible as one never knows what else might be assigned. My professors will also see a lot of me as I love to seek out advice and guidance from my superiors (delete) teachers (add). My job is part time in the morning and early afternoon. I will make myself available for all synchronous classes, even if I need to change my job to attend. @purpleTree4652

@bestVase7265

Vase,

Thank you so much for all your help.

There is one more and it is the long essay from the U of Alabama. Their only description of what they are looking for, reads as follows,

"Most statements of purpose are 1 - 2 pages long and describe your background, reasons for attending your program and post-graduation goals. If you have questions regarding content or format, please contact your prospective program."

I did email them for more info but got a response that they are out of the office for the holiday break.

Printing all this personal information on 7cups makes me nervous. But, I shouldn't be, should I?

Let me know if you are ready, and I'll give you what I wrote.

If I don't hear from you before the new year starts, I hope you have a safe, healthy, happy and easy new year.

--tree

@bestVase7265

Vase, I just tried to post this and the system wouldn't let me. This is my second try.

Yes, please read my last essay and do the same magic on it that you did with the others.

Statement of Purpose

U of A

Describe your background

I was raised being taken to the Carnegie library in Pittsburgh. It was always in my mind that the cool people go to the library. I developed a knack for research and knew how to navigate information as a small child. Research is a love and natural ability of mine that stuck with me. Throughout my adult life, I’ve been told that I’m really good at research. I worked as a secretary at the library in Northern Virginia Community College and learned from and grew from the librarians with whom I worked. From 1989 through 1994, I worked for the Kennedy Institute of Ethics and their Bioethics Library. I was their technical administrative assistant. It was my job to oversee the databases and files for all the publications and photocopies that we sold. I filled orders and handled customer service. I also filled orders for copies of sections from books in the library. I received the order, found the book or journal in the library, make photocopies, and sent it out. I loved that job. Being responsible for the mass of information fit well with my abilities. It gave me a feeling of great pleasure to see my work make everything easy for everyone else.

I put myself through school while working full time and received my AS from Northern Virginia Community College. While studying at Georgetown University, I put myself through flight school and became a licensed private pilot. Still working full time, I eventually graduated from Georgetown University with a BA.

In about 2010 I decided to give up my tv as I was living on my laptop anyway. I’ve never had a tv since then and I don’t miss it. I do all my personal computing on my laptop and research every little thing about which I have a question. And I stream all I need to see for entertainment.

I am currently under selection for a volunteer job at the Regency Square Branch of the Jacksonville Public Library system.

Reasons for attending your program

I want to work as a reference librarian or a research librarian. I have multiple interests as to what type of library I would like to work in. My first thought is to work in a public and/or university library serving the adult community. I love both types of libraries with an abundance of colorful journals and well lit just released book shelves and a bustling group of users. My second thought is to work in a special library. I have so many special interests. Since I am a private pilot, I think I would fit right in as an aviation librarian in a school that trains pilots or for aviation museums. I also love art and would adore working for a museum.

I would be equally happy being a research librarian. I love science and would be thrilled to help scientists research and find whatever information they need.

I chose the U of A for multiple reasons. First are the multiple paths of study that are offered. The information literacy path speaks to me because of the application for reference and research work. The special libraries path would of course focus my training to serve research entities and special libraries. Digital stewardship also seems like it would be a perfect fit for my abilities to understand and corral large amounts of data. I may have to take classes at the U of A for the rest of my life to quench my desire for learning in this field.

Post grad goals

My goal is to begin looking for a job while still in school. Then hopefully, have the job set up and ready for me to enter right after graduation. I am thinking that I will job hunt within government agencies that are science based, universities looking for a research assistant, public libraries in big cities, within the state of Hawaii and the territory of Saipan because my father was stationed in both those places during WWII, and Australia and Canada because they both have a high demand for librarians, and I would enjoy living in either country. I hope to work for as long as my mental faculties will cooperate. I feel like my intelligence could help to bring amazing information out into the world, and this is my venue to achieve it.

@bestVase7265

Oh, what joy and fun!