General
Wrapping Everything Up
Posted December 8, 2022 by Rebecca Devereaux
As the semester rushes to a conclusion, I am reflecting over the academic ride this firstsemester has been. I have been in three courses this semester: LIS 415 Information Organization,LIS 488 Technology for Information Professionals, and HIST 597 Historical Methods. Takingtwo library classes and one history is standard for dual history and library science students.I have experimented with online classes and discovered that they are well organized andstraightforward to complete. Going into the semester I was hopeful that my hypothesis wouldhold true, that if anybody can do online classes well it would be a school for librarians. So farthat has been the case. Even with learning the brand-new skills of basic coding I feel like I havegrasped the concepts! Taking a few courses online has been really useful since my schedule ismuch more flexible. I have been able to run errands and go to museums at quieter times, and Ihave been able to get a job which does not conflict with my school hours. If you are consideringtrying online courses, the Simmons library program is…
Finals are Here!
Posted December 2, 2022 by Ivy Noonan
As the title suggests, finals are here! I know for students, that can be one of the scariest words during the semester. I know currently I’m sitting on two very large essays and a group project, all due within days of each other. Lots of fun! This is my last winter finals season for a while so I’ve been trying to remind myself to step back and enjoy it (as much as I can). I’ve also been trying my best to form good habits when this stressful season comes around, but I’m still ironing everything out. For now, I have a short list with some quick little activities you can do for yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Remember! Your papers/code/group projects will shine if you’re taking care of yourself. Ivy’s quick tip list for managing stress: Good luck to everyone!
Registering for Spring 2023 Courses and a Fall Semester Update
Posted November 16, 2022 by Elizabeth Poland
Today is finally the day for SLIS students to register for their Spring 2023 courses! From what I know, it seems like a majority of people have an 11 a.m. start time on November 16th (as do I). I may or may not be writing this at 11:05, my adrenaline still pumping and the sweet relief of getting my desired courses washing over me. Since the course schedule for next semester was released a few weeks ago, everyone has been on the edge of their seats. Whenever I hear my classmates buzzing about what classes they want to take and where they’ll be when it hits 11 o’clock, my body tenses. I can’t help but feel a bit competitive! It’s like Black Friday or when your favorite artist’s tickets go on sale. I’m graduating at the end of next semester and need to fill my requirements. Of course, there are multiple alternative ways to get into your desired class even if they seem to be full today: be on the waitlist and see if…
Maintaining Balance
Posted November 11, 2022 by Ivy Noonan
For everyone who experiences daylight savings time, I hope you’re managing okay! I know the extra hour of sleep can be a blessing but also throw everyone’s rhythm off. That paired with finishing up midterms can result in everyone feeling a little warn down. So I hope that everyone’s been finding great ways to do self-care while we get through the final chunk of the semester. For me I’ve been going on walks and admiring all of the brightly colored foliage and planning a small fun activity here and there so I have something to look forward to. I would also say this is a great time to visit Salem if you haven’t been yet. It’s much quieter so you can really enjoy walking around and seeing all of the museums and information available. I also always recommend to try and take a weekend where you do…nothing. I’ve noticed there’s often pressure to make use of all of your time whether it be academic, going on adventures, or just cleaning your house. While all of…
Setting Back the Clocks
Posted November 4, 2022 by Ivy Noonan
I feel like I just began the semester and now the countdown to Thanksgiving has begun and I’m currently in swirl of midterms. While that can be tiring, I’ve been taking breaks to remind myself to enjoy it. This is my last fall semester for a while and knowing myself I’ll probably miss it at the start of next September. For now I’m focusing on choosing my final library science class. I’m considering between 456 – Records Management, LIS 476 – Outreach & Advocacy for Cultural Heritage, or LIS 471-OL1 – Photographic Archives, or LIS 471-OL1 – Photographic Archives. Each one offers insight into a different side of Library Science that I’m interested in. I’m most likely going to take Records Management as I’ve heard this provides helpful experience working in a corporate archive, which I would love to work in. I’ve also began receiving emails about thesis topics. I hope my fellow pre-thesis-semester students are doing okay. It can be daunting but I’m incredibly excited about the prospect of really delving into my research…
Outdoor Excursions
Posted October 31, 2022 by Rebecca Devereaux
The semester has found itself in a rhythm. I understand what is expected of me and how to accomplish it when it comes to course work. Things which used to be wild hurdles have just turned into everyday speedbumps. While I still keep google maps almost perpetually open on my web browser, I am beginning to gain confidence in my basic understanding of the layout for Boston and its landmarks. Even as I explore the city of Boston, I have also been branching out into the surrounding area. A few weekends ago I made the trip to New Hampshire to go on a hike/ leaf peeping. Side note: leaf peeping is not a thing out west. It was a totally new term for me. Anyways, I drove through New Hampshire at the height of its Autumn beauty. If you have ever doubted the calendar pictures which show a hill covered in trees of all shades of red, orange, and yellow, thinking they may perhaps be photo shopped, I am here to tell you this really…
Registration Is Coming…
Posted October 25, 2022 by Johnna Purchase
Last week one of the most-anticipated parts of my semester arrived – course listings! It seems that every year departments post their course offerings for the next term at just the right time; I’m not bored with my current classes per-say, but I am past the midway slump with more items crossed off my assignment lists than still on them, and my end-of-term papers are set squarely in my sights. Knowing how much work I have yet to do, dreaming about next semester and all of the new content I will get to learn is a welcome break. The new semester also promises a fresh start where I can readjust my schedule to try out a new mode of learning. This semester I stacked my course and work schedule so that I only have commitments Tuesday-Thursday. It’s a lot packed into a little bit of time, but I am really treasuring my four-days-in-a-row off too. Next semester I’m interested in experimenting with an online course or two as I’ve watched my roommate totally thrive with…
Off To A Good Start
Posted October 21, 2022 by Rebecca Devereaux
Wow! It’s already been a month since I moved all the way across the country to begin the dual MA/MLIS program. Boston is not eastern Washington. I realize that should be self-evident, but some of the differences seriously surprised me. Where are the Fred Meyer’s and Safeways? Why am I now shopping for groceries at Target?! When you walk to get your groceries your shopping list gets a lot smaller too. I am finally learning why meal planning is so important. At least there is the continuity of valuing the great outdoors here in Boston. There are so many parks and green spaces. No matter what time of day I venture out of my apartment I am sure to see joggers and bikers and walkers enjoying the parks surrounding the area. Although it would take me longer to get out of the city to go for a hike, the number of spaces which encourage nature walks makes it seem less overwhelmingly city and more approachable. Although my library classes are online this semester, I am…
First Semester
Posted October 20, 2022 by Claire Pask
What’s that saying—peers give the best advice? (There’s not one like that; I just Googled it. It works for this blog post, though.) I’m Claire, a first year SLIS student, and here are a few things I’mcarrying with me as I work through my first semester of the program. Maybe they’ll help you, too. • To quote a Guardian headline that’s stuck with me since I first read it, “everyone is totally just winging it, all the time.” That person next to you in conference studied the exact same readings as you, and eventhough they may sound intimidatingly smart, odds are you’re just as qualified and preparedto speak up as they are. And am I technically “qualified” to write this blog post of academicadvice as a first-year master’s students? No more or less than anyone else. Maybe. • Don’t be afraid to talk to your professors. That’s what they’re here for, and you’ll besurprised by how easy they are to speak with—it’s almost like they’re real people! My firstmeeting with my academic advisor? She called…
Hello Rebecca!
Posted October 18, 2022 by Lindsey Clarke
Rebecca is another new blogger on our team. Rebecca wrote her own introduction so here it is! Look for more great posts from Rebecca soon: “Hello everyone! My name is Rebecca Devereaux, and I am in the Simmons dual History and Library Science master’s program on the archives track. I grew up in Washington state on the mighty Columbia River. I just finished up my undergraduate at Whitworth University in Spokane, WA, where I double majored in English and history. A few of my favorite classes included Sin and Chaos in Literature and the Philosophy of Chinese Architecture. On the side of my academic work load I invested a good chunk of my time playing tuba for the Whitworth Wind Symphony and the Whitworth Orchestra. I didn’t have space to bring my tuba to Boston, but I have a mouthpiece, just in case somebody needs a tuba player last minute. My work experiences these past few years have been focused on processing and disseminating information. I worked for a year and a half as an…