Written By: Adina Vega
Edited By: Lan An and Idyll Lee
What motivated you to pursue an MLIS degree?
Simple answer: I love books. Complex answer: I became a librarian because I like taking information chaos and making it feel manageable. I care about equity, and I don’t think access to reliable info or technology should depend on money, connections, or confidence. I love learning, but I love helping other people learn even more, especially when they’re overwhelmed or getting brushed off elsewhere. Libraries remain one of the few truly public spaces where anyone can just be, and I want to preserve that. I’m also big on fighting misinformation in a practical way by teaching people how to evaluate what they’re seeing and pointing them to reliable sources. I enjoy the behind-the-scenes puzzle the most, building better systems, programs, and pathways, so finding what you need is easier.
How has your understanding of the LIS field evolved since starting the program?
Since starting the program, my understanding of LIS has evolved from viewing libraries as simply collections of books and places that help people find things to seeing them as infrastructure for equity, learning, and community resilience. Initially, I thought the work was mainly about answering questions and managing collections. Now, I realize that much of the field involves systems thinking: how metadata, classification, website design, database interfaces, and even program schedules subtly shape who can access information and who is excluded. I’ve also learned that reference isn’t just about providing “the answer,” but about relationship-building and instruction, helping someone move from confusion to confidence, all guided by empathy, cultural awareness, and ethics. I also didn’t fully grasp how research-driven the profession is until I delved deeper into the coursework. Program evaluation, user studies, information behavior theory, and assessment aren’t just academic extras; they are crucial for libraries to justify funding, enhance services, and remain relevant. The program has made me more critically aware (in a positive way) of technology: not just what tools can do, but what they cost in terms of privacy, accessibility, and inclusion. I now see LIS as a field that combines public service, education, design, and advocacy, and that being a good librarian means being proficient in all these areas, not just one.
What skills do you feel most confident in now that you’re graduating?
Cataloging, programming, community relations, collection management, writing skills (thank you, SLASC!), and UX.
Did you participate in a practicum, internship, or fieldwork? What did you learn from that experience?
All three! I took a lot of time during my degree to gain as much “real life” experience as possible. I participated in plenty of fieldwork and cataloging practicums and completed two internships. They provided me with hands-on experience in organizing library materials, focusing on creating and editing MARC records using standards like RDA and tools such as Koha and Alma ILS systems. My MLIS journey taught me so much about LIS theory and foundational work, but I believe I gained the most from the hands-on experience I received throughout my MLIS.
How did your hands-on experiences influence your career goals or interests?
If it wasn’t for an internship I completed at my main public library branch, I would not have realized how much I enjoy cataloging, metadata, collection management, and user experience. The hands-on experiences were instrumental in helping me find a pathway I felt confident and excited about.
What advice would you give to future students preparing for the LIS job hunt?
When it comes to the library world, it’s what you know and who you know. The next however many years of your life will be busier than perhaps you’re used to. Now more than ever is a time to improve your time management and organizational skills. I have just scratched the surface of my job hunt, but I will be interviewing for an Adult Services Librarian position at the library where I will be interning next month, and two other positions have just opened at the local community college library. Not only have I learned a lot about the field I want to go into, but I have also met many people who have witnessed my work ethic and skills.
What role do you see libraries playing in advancing social justice?
We are at a pivotal moment. With advances in AI and major government reforms, the significance of libraries has never been greater. I see libraries, especially public ones, focusing more on programming and services. While access to literature and information is typically prioritized, libraries’ potential roles in their communities are changing rapidly. I see libraries continuing to advocate for diverse collections, to expand alongside technology, and to become more active in fighting for civic rights.
What are your professional goals for the next five years?
I see myself moving to a new city, working at an academic library, and possibly pursuing a doctoral degree.
If you could go back to the beginning of the program, what would you do differently?
I would adjust my coursework, apply for additional scholarships, join the Student Research Journal team, become a peer mentor, and build more connections with my classmates and professors. I am grateful to have discovered cataloging and to have the amazing opportunity to work with a mentor who is an excellent teacher, but I wish I had taken more foundational and practical courses in metadata, computer languages, coding, and cataloging. As a grad student in a virtual, asynchronous program, I found it a little more difficult to make those important connections. So many of my past educational experiences were successful because they were in person. I believe that to do well in this program and beyond, you need to really put yourself out there.
Who or what inspired you the most during your MLIS journey?
So much and so many people. My fellow SLASC members, Friends of the Library volunteers, fantastic professors, my supportive family and friends, fellow classmates, and library colleagues. Everyone who cheered me on from day one played an instrumental role in my graduation.
What was your favorite memory from the program?
The past three years have been really enlightening, humbling, and rewarding. My favorite memories revolve around the professional friendships I’ve made. Actually meeting my classmates “irl” makes up a lot of good memories. Virtual programs can be tricky for your social life!
Any final thoughts, shout-outs, or words of wisdom for incoming MLIS students?
Shout-outs:
To everyone who has ever been part of SLASC, Dr. Jefferson, my ePort advisor, and my group partner from INFO 285, who helped me make it through major senioritis.
Words of wisdom: (This is what worked for me.)Join a student group, or three. The more leadership and collaboration experience you rack up, the better. SLASC was a great entry point into student chapters at SJSU. Invest in a really good laptop. Use your phone’s calendar feature, and get a planner to stay organized with assignments and due dates as backup. Really focus and learn from your core classes– they are your foundation. ePortfolio or thesis work begins now. Join the Facebook and Discord groups for information on preparing for graduation and performing well in this program. If you aren’t already working at a library, start volunteering at a public or academic library as soon as possible. If that’s not possible, start volunteering for a cause that aligns with library and information science. If you only have a resume, switch over to a CV. Apply for scholarships immediately. There are SO many good ones out there for new library school students. The iSchool offers many different scholarships. Many of them will pay for you to travel to different conferences- take advantage of them! Have essays ready to edit to tailor to those applications. Best of luck- you got this!
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