I just finished quarter four of a six quarter master’s program in library and information science. Over the last three months, I’ve dove into scholarly communications, digital libraries, and collections management.
Much of my time was spent staring at a screen, unlearning everything I thought I knew about academic publishing.
After infinite research on open access not truly being open, I wrote… and wrote… and wrote. About the system failing us (writers, students, teachers). About how the public can respond.
It was all very ideal. But a heavy load.
And then, it was cut. Not torn to shreds, mind you. But critically reviewed, thus shaping a whole new paper.
I’m a passionate person. A bit of an idealist. I don’t believe change happens overnight, but I’m not one to sit still, either.
It takes time to write effectively.
So, I took a breath. And wrote some more. Soon, I’ll get that grade. While I am almost certain it’s an A, I care more about the lessons I learned and unlearned, due to the peer review process.
This process takes time. Research may be exciting, but not everyone cares. True innovations require more than resources (time, funding, institutional support/buy-in, storage). It takes guts.
And that’s the exact kind of librarian I want to be. So, look out, world. I think I might just be a scholarly communicator after all. And I’m still writing.