I Open at the Close

Because I am contractually obligated to make Harry Potter references, no matter how much time has passed since I last read the series.

Anyway.

Today was the final day of class for my Diploma of Library and Information Services, so it seems appropriate to make my first post for this blog to be reflective in nature.

I just submitted my second-last assignment and have one more due on Sunday, and then that’s it. I’m finished… for now.

Something that has been drilled into our heads over the course of this year is the necessity of lifelong learning, and the importance of honing and expanding our skills to make us the best we can be.

This year has been extremely eye-opening. I’ve had opportunities to visit libraries and archives across Victoria and even go behind the scenes at the State Library of Victoria… multiple times. I’ve become more aware of the many moving parts that keep libraries moving, and the people who are responsible for them.

I also have new avenues for technology to explore. I tried virtual reality for the first time at the Geelong Library and found it much more fun than I expected, given my glasses make watching 3D movies extremely annoying. Virtual reality is, mercifully, less so.

I’ve learned about so many resources to learn about library developments and technology such as newCardigan, ALIA (I didn’t even know ALIA was a thing when I started), TechSoup for Libraries and WebJunction to name a few.

Come to think of it, I came into this course knowing very little aside from a working knowledge of upcoming developments in YA fiction and the We Need Diverse Books movement.

I’ve gone from a complete neophyte to winning an ALIA Student Award for academic excellence for my marks this year. I might hold off signing up for the free ALIA membership included in the award until I officially have received my qualification documents so I can make full use of the professional development components of being a new graduate member instead of a student member.

What I’ve written here doesn’t even come close to scratching the surface of my feelings about finishing this course. There was so much to learn that it’s impossible to touch on it all in one blog post.

I’m hoping to use this blog as a way to keep track of what I learn from now on, but I’m still working out exactly how to do that. At the very least, I know I want this to be a positive place.

I’m not completely sure where I’ll end up next year, but I have a few options and plans. I want to gain more practical customer service experience so I’ll likely volunteer at a local toy library while also applying for jobs. I’m also aiming for entry into a music degree, and whether I’m accepted will largely determine my trajectory for the year. Regardless of where I end up, I’m keeping my feet in the pool of library learning.

This is a strange time after being so focused on studies for the whole year. I feel a bit like I’m floating… but I’m not panicking. Yet.

I’ve got a lot to look forward to.