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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Member
Joined: 5/22/2009
Posts: 3
Points: 9
Location: Washington State
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I'm currently a first year MLIS student interested in metadata, digital asset management, and digital libraries. So, I've been looking at a lot of job postings in these areas to find out what skills employers are looking for. Most job postings I see mention knowledge of SQL, XML, HTML, PHP, JavaScript, Unix, etc. I am very willing and enthusiastic about learning these things, but I'm not sure if my graduate program will offer classes in these areas (except, maybe, XML).
Basically, I'm wondering how I can gain these skills as cheaply as possible and in as little time as possible?
Should I enroll in a local technical college and gain an additional certificate? (My time is very limited with working full time and attending grad school.) Or should I just check out a bunch of books at the library and read through them to gain a general overview? And/or should I just spend a ton of time on my laptop doing online tutorials such as ones offered by W3Schools witch are free and offer "certificates"? How can I get some practical skills in these areas?
What levels of experience and knowledge would an employer be looking for? All job postings seem vague. I'm beginning to wonder if I should be seeking CS degree instead of a MLIS, but I love the Information Organization aspect of library and information science, too.
Any advice on how to obtain these skills and/or what levels of expertise an entry-level position would require would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you in advance for any advice.
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/6/2008
Posts: 2
Points: 6
Location: Ohio
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Does the university have free software classes for enrolled students? I used those classes to round out what I was already learning in class (SQL, XML, CSS, XHTML, etc.). In addition, if the library program allows you to take classes from other departments (like CS) and will accept the credits towards the program, take advantage of that!
As for how to go about learning all these skills, the best way to learn them (imho) is to use them in real life (practice, practice, and application). Find something at work, or find a practicum or internship that you would need to learn and use these skills. Self study is fine, as long as you're working towards a project goal - I've found that if I don't practice what I learn I don't retain as much than if I applied what I learned to a meaningful project. Example projects could include an online portfolio and resume for when you are job hunting, or simple web applications.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Job Hunting Tips - Moderator
, Member
Joined: 1/4/2008
Posts: 103
Points: 309
Location: Cairo, Egypt
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I agree with byoose's advice. Make sure you're not missing any free workshops offered at your school, perhaps through the IT program. And I picked up quite a few technologies through my assistantships. Also, it could be that another graduate program offers them, and you can take them for LS credit. So look around first, and talk to your classmates and advisor, before enrolling in classes outside of school.
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Member
Joined: 5/22/2009
Posts: 3
Points: 9
Location: Washington State
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Thank you for your replies.
I have been filling my summer with some online tutorials for now, but will be transferring to the University of Washington in the fall. They have a strong IT and CS focus and offer interdisciplinary classes. There will probably be a lot of opportunities for internships and practicums in the Seattle area, so I'm beginning to feel better about gaining these skills. I also have a web development project in mind so that I can practice these skills on my own and develop a portfolio.
Thanks, again, for your advice.
-Rae
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