Student Snippets A Window Into The Daily Life & Thoughts of SLIS Students

Family Questions

This weekend I am attending a fancy family gathering to celebrate my grandfather’s 75th birthday. So in addition to worrying about what I am going to wear, I am also trying to prepare myself to be inundated with questions about what I am doing with my life. And like any other LIS student, I need to find the perfect answer which can be very difficult.
First of all, most people don’t know what “Library and Information Science” means, so I sort of water it down to “Library School.” Here come the looks of concern and confusion, followed by the commentary:
“You need a master’s degree to be a librarian?”
“But libraries are being replaced by the internet!”
“How will you find a job?”
I have my head in my hands just anticipating it. I don’t know what’s worse, these questions, or being asked why I am not married, when I plan to get married, and when I’m going to have children.
What I try to do is assure my family that no, I am not going to school to learn how to put books on a shelf. Libraries aren’t going anywhere, they are just changing and my education is preparing me for a dynamic career where I will be ready and willing to embrace the changes. I also try to talk about the emphasis this program has on technology and where it is taking libraries in the future.
These responses are usually enough, but I do have trouble convincing some. When it comes down to it, I stand firm in my choice to attend Simmons GSLIS and I do my best to exude that confidence and pride.
I am curious to hear others’ stories. How do you answer all of the inevitable questions from family and friends? Share your stories!