Children and young adults' librarianship is one of the most critical areas of the subject

My time at Sheffield has been incredible. The course has been incredibly enriching and, at times, challenging. The year-long programme is very rigorous, but we’ve covered a wide range of topics. I feel well-prepared to pursue a career in librarianship, and I feel like my options are open among a variety of sectors.

Delving into the creative elements of librarianship 

My favourite module on the course has been the Public and School Library Services module, where we’ve been able to explore some of the more creative sides of librarianship. In this module, we were asked to sample a few award-winning children’s books, such as Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book (which is one of my all-time favourites!). For our final assessment, we may also choose to design a public library space, which offers a fresh challenge where I can express my knowledge in ways other than the traditional essay format.

Making friends over coffee

My peers on the course are very knowledgeable and friendly, and we’ve established a close relationship throughout the last two semesters. You can usually find a group of us studying in the Wave or getting coffee at Copper Pot ahead of big submissions. In addition to my studies, I’m constantly trying to get the most out of my time in Sheffield. There’s so much to discover in the city around the year, from the Christmas markets and other activities, such as the science fiction festival they hold around Halloween. It’s been a great place to live and study for the past year!

Meeting other librarians

I've loved getting to visit different kinds of libraries and hearing from a diverse group of librarians. It’s been interesting to see the various roles that exist across the profession. The Nottingham Public Library was a particular highlight for me, and most represented the kind of library that I’d like to work in. During our visit, we were shown around the library and learned about the intricacies of the space, including an interactive room in the Children’s department that uses touchscreen projections on the walls to create a rich learning environment for young kids.

We visited during the Nottingham Puppetry Festival, so there were lots of intricate puppets on display around the library. It was a very cool space and it was fascinating to hear from the librarians who run the space. They provided an in-depth look into a day in the life of a public librarian, which is my ideal role post-graduation.

As an international student, these visits have also provided a unique look into everyday life in the UK. They've allowed me to visit cities that I otherwise wouldn't have gotten to experience in my time here.

Learning on the job

I've been working as a Library Student Associate for the Creative Library Project in the Information Commons since October. I help design and run monthly creative workshops to help students understand and engage with various social justice initiatives, including Reclaim the Night and LGBT History Month. These workshops allow students to discuss potentially challenging subjects in a safe, calm, and low-stakes environment. The project has been incredibly rewarding and valuable, both personally and professionally. I’ve had a lot of fun working on these workshops and have loved every aspect.

Challenging book bans

Once I finish this degree, I plan to head back home to the United States to pursue a career in Children's/Young Adult Librarianship. This is, in my opinion, one of the most critical areas of librarianship. The books that you read as a child and as a teen are some of the most impactful stories and can lay the foundation for a lifelong love of reading. Children’s and teen books are also the most commonly challenged in book bans, which are an ever-growing issue in the United States.

I want to do my part to combat these book bans and uphold kids’ freedom to read. I will also take the experience I’ve gained in producing workshops with the Creative Library Project to design events for kids and teens to enjoy throughout the year.

Advice for future librarians

Go into this experience with an open mind and have fun! This course will challenge you, but it will be worth it. Be willing to say yes to new opportunities, whether they be work opportunities or library visits. There’s so much to learn. Over the course of the programme, you may change your mind on which sector you’d like to pursue post-grad, and that’s ok! There are so many options to choose from.

Finally, get to know your course mates, they may become your best friends. They can be a great support system and you can learn a lot from each other!