To commemorate our Fall 2021 graduating students from the Masters in Library and Information Science program at San Jose State University, we interviewed our very own Special Library Association Student Chapter committee members, Sarah Walters and Marissa Marmolejo.
Q: What classes do you recommend the most to pursue a career in special libraries?
A: Special librarians need to wear many hats on the job, so I think it’s just important to take a variety of courses. Like one of my professors said, you can’t go wrong with any of the classes from the iSchool. To be well-rounded, it helps to take at least one cataloging class and at least one reference class, since most special librarians are responsible for all sorts of duties at their libraries. –Sarah Walters
A:The courses I recommend include: Information Retrieval System Design, Issues in Special Libraries, Tools for Digital Curation, and Collections Management. – Marissa Marmolejo
Q: Do you think it’s important to intern or have experience in libraries/archives before finishing your degree?
A: Definitely. This includes volunteering and doing internships. Thankfully, there are more virtual/remote opportunities than ever before. This makes it accessible and affordable for MLIS students who might be on the west coast to intern at places like the Library of Congress. –SW
A: Yes, even if you are just starting out, having some practical experience is important to show an interest that you want to pursue this field. -MM
Q: Sarah, how would you characterize your time in the Special Libraries Association Student Chapter Executive Committee as an Assistant Blog Editor?
A: It’s been a valuable learning experience to be able to research and learn more about special libraries. It’s been fun working with this group; everyone has been really positive and encouraging, sharing great ideas and feedback. –SW
Q: Marissa, how would you characterize your time in the Special Libraries Association Student Chapter Executive Committee as a Secretary?
A: I enjoyed my time serving as Secretary on SLASC and being part of a team atmosphere. When you attend classes online, you sometimes do not get an opportunity to interact with other students outside of class. Being part of SLASC was a great way to do that. -MM
Q: Do you recommend applying for an SLA student membership?
A: For sure. I looked forward to SLA emails and reading insight from working professionals at a variety of libraries (and students get a discount when they apply). –SW
A: Yes, because it provides you an opportunity to participate/interact with colleagues in the program. -MM
Q: Do you have any advice for how to prepare for the SJSU MLIS program?
A: People come to the LIS field from a plethora of other career fields (my background is in journalism, for example), and from a wide range of life experiences, so one approach won’t apply to everyone. But it’s important before grad school, in general, to be prepared by being open-minded and having an attitude where you are ready to challenge yourself, try new things, and get outside your comfort zone. –SW
A: I think the advice I would give is to volunteer or work in the information profession to see if this is something you truly want to do. -MM
Q: What has been some of the best advice you’ve received while in the MLIS program?
A: To not focus on perfection but rather on completing assignments and projects, and to be fast, forward, and focused in your work. –SW
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