Zooming in with alumni: Manda Vrkljan

Manda Vrkljan graduated from the Faculty of Information in 2019 with concentrations in Library and Information Science and Knowledge Management and Information Management. She is Head Librarian of the University College Library and the current President of the Faculty of Information Alumni Association (FIAA). She zoomed in with alumni officer, Regan Tigno. 

What originally inspired you to pursue your degree in Information? 

Before becoming a student at the Faculty of Information I had spent a number of years working as a library technician. I had completed my diploma at Seneca College, and after practicing within the library profession I wanted a more theoretical background and understanding of the world of information.  

Can you share a moment during your degree that made you realize you were on the right path? 

There wasn’t just one moment. There were multiple moments, sort of like signposts along the way. Right off the bat in my first four courses, we were learning about user behavior with information, and I was happy that people were researching and investigating questions that I had about human behavior and information. As I moved further along in my degree, I encountered classes where we started challenging the standards that we use in the library professions, such as for cataloguing or subject heading, and then asking what this means in a world of digitization and electronic retrieval. These were the conversations I wanted to have and why I came to the Faculty of Information.  

How would you say your education at the Faculty of Information has shaped your career journey? 

The Faculty of Information was a starting point and the entry way into a profession. It allows you to build your networks and learn the basics of this profession and the skill sets needed to succeed. From there, it’s really up to you how you wish to move your career forward. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of since graduating? 

I came into the Faculty of Information with three particular goals in mind and I knew that two would be accomplished. The third goal was a lofty one, and I wasn’t sure about it, but by the time I had finished my studies, I had become the published author of a non-fiction piece of work. I’m very proud that I continue to publish within my professional sphere, which is something I did not expect.  

How do you stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in your field? 

As a librarian, I am a part of the Ontario Library Association and the American Library Association. These two bodies, both for Canada and the U.S., allow me to see what the latest trends and issues are, and what actions are happening in other libraries across the continent. These associations are key to understanding how the profession is unfolding. 

How do you see your industry evolving in the next five years and how do you plan to adapt? 

As the world of artificial intelligence becomes even more mainstream, librarians will play a key role as they are information retrieval experts.  Librarians are continually educating the world on how to access information in the most efficient way using ethical standards. 

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at the Faculty of Information?  

I always go back to my time on the Master of Information Student Council (MISC). I was a student representative who sat on Faculty Council, as well as contributing to the larger MISC. As a mature learner, these memories are fond, because it was a chance to see students at a younger age understand what they needed from their education, from their schooling, from the Faculty of Information, and what they try to do, within their limited powers, to move things along. Watching that democratic action unfold is something that I do look back on fondly. 

Most memorable professor?  

One of my favourite instructors was actually Kim Silk, who was a practicing sessional and is also a Faculty of Information alum. Her career is so varied. She had taken the concept of having an information degree – not necessarily a library degree – and has applied it in many circumstances and industries, creating her own consulting business. While I have a degree with a concentration in library sciences and a concentration in knowledge management, I have an information degree. The work that Kim has done over her career has shown that it is a versatile degree.  

Did you have a favourite spot on campus? 

I do and it has, unfortunately, nothing to do with the Faculty. It’s the University College quad. In the spring and summer, sitting on the side while the sun beams through and onto the trees and the grass and being surrounded by 200-year old buildings. That, for me, is U of T. 

Is there any advice you would you give to a current Faculty of Information student? 

Take advantage of all networking opportunities that you can get. Building my network has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. It’s not all about getting jobs, but meeting new people, making connections and just being a part of the community. 

If you would like to Zoom In with the Faculty of Information, please contact regan.tigno@utoronto.ca.