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Grad’s Reflections feature in Ontario Library Association Magazine

Submitted on Monday, November 30, 2015

the-panelCaleb Domsy graduated from the iSchool’s Master of Information program in 2014 – and recently shared his strong connection to the iSchool community in an article published by the Ontario Library Association (OLA).

Earlier this term, Domsy participated in a panel with, among others, R. David Lankes, and on the future of librarianship education at the iSchool, a panel moderated by Professors Lynne Howarth and Siobhan Stevenson. Prof. Lankes was at the iSchool to deliver that evening’s Bertha Bassam Lecture.

Now, Domsy’s reflections are available for all to read, as the iSchool graduate published his thoughts (link is external) from the panel discussion in Open Shelf, the OLA’s online magazine.

In the article, Domsy draws upon his personal experiences as a Faculty of Information student, and offers three main insights into the present and future conditions of library education.

First, Domsy notes that library school students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. But, in his view, “The opportunity to learn in both of these areas is tough to navigate as a student because we don’t know in advance which classes and experiences will offer that perfect mix.” Domsy says schools should make sure that students know which courses emphasize theory, and which ones focus more on practice.

Second, Domsy points out another division that runs through library education. Courses tend to focus either on how people interact with information, or, rather, on the information itself. According to Caleb, library schools should discuss this contrast, in order to help students tailor their course selections and career paths towards their individual styles and preferences.

Still, accommodating individual interests is something in which Domsy thinks library schools already excel. “One thing that I believe librarianship education is doing especially well is presenting students with a wonderful array of options for study and work that allow for personalized and customized learning,” the iSchool alumnus writes.

Finally, Domsy praises the calibre of the iSchool faculty. “No matter the academic focus of the courses I took at the iSchool, I was always most enamoured by the classes taught by inspiring instructors,” Domsy writes. “The iSchool would be well served to continue to hire such incredible professors and instructors, since the creative and free-thinking students they help train become so valuable in the workplace.”

Domsy is currently putting his iSchool education into practice himself. This June, he became the Business and eLearning Librarian at Humber College. Previously, he was Humber’s Digital Learning Librarian, a position that was funded through the Ontario College and University Library Association (OCULA) New Librarian Residency Award.

These professional opportunities are an auspicious start to a career in librarianship, and  the iSchool is pleased its graduates feel well prepared for life beyond the classroom.

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