Shortchanging School Libraries Shortchanges Students

In a recent article, written for The Conversation and republished by The New Republic, Debra Kachel, Professor of School Library and Information Technologies at Mansfield University (and Drexel MLS alumna) denounces the disappearance of school libraries.

Kachel writes:

"...look at my state of Pennsylvania, where schools are not required to have libraries. Prisons must have them. Barber and cosmetology schools must have them. They are compulsory in nursing programs. But in public schools they are optional."

To read the full article, go to: http://theconversation.com/the-calamity-of-the-disappearing-school-libraries-44498

Life in Library School—with a Baby!

We're kicking off a new guest blogger series featuring stories and advice about the library school experience. Today, recent Drexel grad Olivia Castello shares her perspective on becoming a parent while in school.

I started my MLIS at Drexel’s iSchool in March of 2009 and graduated in June 2011. During this time I took 1-2 classes a quarter, worked at 3 different internships, volunteered as a digital librarian... and had a baby!

Simon was born in August 2010, about mid-way through my time at Drexel. I learned a lot from the experience of being pregnant and caring for an infant while pursuing a graduate degree at the iSchool.

Contrary to what you might assume, grad school can be the perfect time to have a baby... especially if it is your first child. It was for me, at least. The feasibility of it all depends entirely on your particular situation. I am lucky to have a wonderful husband who, from the outset, committed to covering our expenses for the roughly 2 years while I pursued my degree. I was also enrolled at the iSchool as an online student even though I live in Philadelphia. I found this arrangement to be ideal since I was able to schedule the classes I needed online but was also able to make it down to campus for the occasional on-campus class, group work session and iSchool event. Because of all these factors, I had the freedom to stay at home with the baby while still actively pursuing my degree.

Volunteers Needed for the Philadelphia Book Festival

The 2011 Philadelphia Book Festival is looking for volunteers to help run various author events, musical performances, interactive programs, and a festival street fair. From April 11th - 16th, the Central branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia will be bustling with activity and they need your help to make it happen. Get more details on the Book Festival's website about volunteering.

Image: (c) 2011 Mikey Burton

Job - Archives Assistant - Children's Literature Collection

For those of you who are interested in archives and want to get some experience, there's a great new opportunity available at the Free Library of Philadelphia!

The Archives Assistant will be working on collections by children's literature authors, creating finding aids for each collection. This is a part-time/temporary position and is a great way to get that archival experience you've been looking for.

More information about the position and how to apply can be found on the Free Library of Philadelphia's Career webpage.