College of DuPage LTA Student Interview #4

By Amanda Musacchio

This is the fourth in a series of interviews with College of DuPage Library and Information Technology students. These interviews were conducted by myself, Amanda Musacchio, Program Chair and Instructor at the College of DuPage. The Library and Information Technology Program includes a 30 credit Library and Information Technology Certificate as well as a 64 credit Associate in Applied Science Library and Information Technology Degree. For more information, please contact me at musacchioa@cod.edu.

This interview features current student, Jean McDonough.

1. What would you like to share about yourself?

I am currently a preschool-eighth grade elementary school librarian at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Cary, Illinois. I have also taught middle school art and language arts in public schools, as well as creative writing at universities in Michigan. In addition to my experience as a teacher and school librarian, I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Poetry Writing. Because I have so many different interests, librarianship is my perfect calling, encompassing my life-long love of learning.

2. What are you excited about that is happening in Illinois libraries (and beyond)?

I am excited that many libraries are embracing the STEM movement in Illinois. A couple of years ago, I created makerspace kits where students can experiment with robotics and electrical circuits. Students collaborate with these kits in small groups, using their critical thinking skills as well as their knowledge of design principles. My library is not always quiet, but it is creative! I am also interested in the growing realization on the part of school librarians that students must be taught more robust information literacy skills in order to help them effectively evaluate the credibility of information they find online.

3. What is something interesting you have discussed in your classes?

In my Reference and Information Services class, we have been discussing the evolving nature of reference in light of the prevalence of patrons relying on online information for their research. In many ways, reference service has become more important due to the changing nature of patron questions. It has also become more challenging to find accurate facts when there is so much misinformation and fake news available.

4. How do you see yourself contributing to the Illinois Library world in five-plus years?

I hope to become involved in a larger network of school librarians. In the past few years, I have collaborated with the Cary Area Library and Cary Junior High in order to offer a city-wide Battle of the Books after-school program. Collaboration between librarians is important, not only to share resources but also to inspire each other with ideas.

5. What do you like most about the College of DuPage Library and Information Technology Program?

Because I am taking my classes entirely online, I appreciate the flexibility I have to complete assignments. I also enjoy hearing the perspectives of my peers during online discussions; they have so many different educational backgrounds and library experiences. Finally, my instructors are very good about presenting relevant and current content as it relates to the function of libraries in the 21^st century.

College of DuPage LTA Student Interview #3

By Amanda Musacchio

This is the third in a series of interviews with College of DuPage Library and Information Technology students. These interviews were conducted by myself, Amanda Musacchio, Program Chair and Instructor at the College of DuPage. The Library and Information Technology Program includes a 30 credit Library and Information Technology Certificate as well as a 64 credit Associate in Applied Science Library and Information Technology Degree. For more information, please contact me at musacchioa@cod.edu.

This interview features current student, Cooper Dague.

College of DuPage LTA Student Cooper Dague

1) What would you like to share about yourself?

My name is Cooper Dague. I am twenty years old and I have worked at the Homewood Public Library for over a year now. I started as a page and was quickly promoted to a clerk at the circulation desk. I also have experience as an aide in my high school library. I really love my job and definitely want to pursue a career in library science, so the same week I started at the Circulation Desk I applied at College of DuPage for my Library Technical Assistant (LTA) certification. I enjoy applying what I learn in class to my work at the library.

2) What are you excited about that is happening in Illinois libraries (and beyond)?

Currently, I am excited about “libraries of stuff” – in Illinois and worldwide! I created a blog about libraries of stuff as a final project for one of my classes last semester, and now I am excited that Homewood Public Library (where I work) recently announced we are starting one of our own. I think a library of stuff is great outreach to the community, especially for residents who may not typically visit the library, and may not realize that libraries are so much more than books. Homewood Public Library is starting a seed library soon, too.

3) What is something interesting that you have discussed in your classes?Something interesting that has been discussed in several of my classes at College of DuPage throughout my three semesters so far is the need for librarians to have 21st Century skills, and ways for libraries to use technology to remain relevant and to connect with their communities. Something as easy as the #bookface hashtag on Instagram is a good way for libraries to visually connect with their communities and to let their patrons know the library is a fun place!

4) How do you see yourself contributing to the Illinois Library world in five-plus years?
Customer service is something I really pride myself on, so that is one way I see myself contributing to the Illinois library world, now and in the future. I am sure that providing good customer service to patrons will be something I continue to do in whatever role I may have in my future career in the Illinois Library system.

5) What do you like most about the College of DuPage Library and Information Technology Program?
I am an out-of-district student at College of DuPage because my local college does not offer a Library Technical Assistant program, so one of the things I like most about the College of DuPage Library and Information Technology Program is that the program at the College of DuPage is accredited by the American Library Association (one of only a few in the state) and that it is entirely accessible online for distance students like myself. Even with my job at my local library, this semester I was able to take three classes at College of DuPage because of the time I save by not commuting back and forth. Although the collaboration in my online classes is remarkably effective, I also appreciate that there are opportunities for field trips and other in-person events scheduled into the semester, so even distance students like me have a chance to further build and enhance our connection with classmates, teachers, and campus – and feel more of a true “college experience”.

College of DuPage LTA Student Interview #2

By Amanda Musacchio

This is the second in a series of interviews with College of DuPage Library and Information Technology students. These interviews were conducted by myself, Amanda Musacchio, Program Chair and Instructor at the College of DuPage. The Library and Information Technology Program includes a 30 credit Library and Information Technology Certificate as well as a 64 credit Associate in Applied Science Library and Information Technology Degree. For more information, please contact me at musacchioa@cod.edu.

This interview features current student, Susan Ciano.

What would you like to share about yourself?

Hi, my name is Susan Ciano and I am a first-year student in the College of DuPage Library and Information Technology Program. I hope to graduate with a Library Technical Assistant Certificate in 2020. I am currently employed part-time at the Rolling Meadows Library as a Readers Advisory Associate and I am cross-trained to staff our Welcome Desk. I enjoy helping people find materials in our collection and use OCLC WorldCat for Interlibrary Loan requests. The Readers Advisory and Introduction to Reference classes have helped me to be well prepared to assist patrons and present the most current resources to my supervisor. My classes have helped reinforce my goal to obtain full-time employment in a library as my chosen career field. My hobbies include writing, photography, and reading literary fiction and nonfiction writers.

What are you excited about that is happening in Illinois libraries (and beyond)?

In class, we discuss the current trend of public libraries eliminating fines. In addition to reducing barriers for those patrons who have been unable to pay their fines and receiving materials, an added benefit of fine elimination is an increase in patron visits. In the spirit of helping others beyond Illinois, I hope to be able to join other library professionals with a nonprofit organization such as Librarians Without Borders who volunteer to build libraries in other countries to address resource inequality. The thought of working together to help build a library where there is none is very inspiring to me and I hope to apply to volunteer after I become established in a full-time position.

What is something interesting you have discussed in your classes?

Before taking classes I knew nothing about the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read Statement, stating the freedom to read is essential to our democracy, and the Library Bill of Rights, the right to privacy and confidentiality in patron’s library use. In class, we discussed various scenarios in detail to help us understand how to apply these principles fully. I appreciate these rights and follow these rules in my professional work to ensure freedom of inquiry is protected. In our Introduction to Reference class, I learned resources and interview techniques to not only assist patrons with their genealogy research but as an assignment, researched my own family history as well. I currently volunteer as an English as a Second Language tutor at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library and have applied to volunteer in the Shackley Room which serves the genealogical and local history interests of patrons. Dovetailing my classwork I have learned research skills from the local history librarian to help me better serve patrons with their research.

How do you see yourself contributing to the Illinois Library world in five-plus years?

My classes, coworkers, and patrons open my eyes to the diverse opportunities that exist in the library field. With my education at the College of DuPage, I hope to better be able to serve patrons from all walks of life.

What do you like most about the College of DuPage Library and Information Technology Program?

I think I especially appreciate the competency of my instructors and their consistent focus on my success in the library field. We routinely discuss real-world career opportunities and have toured several local libraries. I have enjoyed guest lecturers on subjects that I knew nothing about that were very enlightening. Regarding questions from patrons regarding medicine and law, we are trained to refer patrons to other sources for further information. I appreciate that instructors schedule appointments at convenient times for questions about class assignments as well as the friendly assistance I have received from the College of DuPage Library staff. I have also visited with a College of DuPage Career Services advisor who assisted me with revising my resume and cover letter and practicing with me interview techniques and salary negotiation skills. I was immediately impressed with the well-tended, well-designed, and spacious campus when I first toured the College of DuPage.

Description: C:\Users\musacchioa\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Outlook\3BGSP6DY\IMG_3836.jpg — *Photo credit Susan Ciano, 2018*

I took this photograph inside the Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago’s first central public library. Originally completed in 1897 and restored in 2008, in 1991 it was established as a free cultural venue for all visitors to enjoy. The site includes sumptuous mosaics of Favrile glass, colored stone, and mother-of-pearl, as well as marble, rare hardwoods, and polished brass. The word “literis” is second-person singular present passive of “lito”. A word spoken in several languages, one meaning of lito is “I devote, consecrate.” How appropriate that libraries promote the love of reading and learning for the common good.