For those of you who have not been to school in some time, and for those of you who are more familiar with smaller institutions, UB can be somewhat overwhelming. This page is designed to help you navigate your way around campus, and to offer some straight-forward information on how the LIS program works. This page was created with the help of a few faculty, and by fellow students who were asked, "What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?" Quotation marks really do indicate direct quotes, with minor editing for tense.
Brief Testimonial
Most of us decided to become librarians because we are bookworms. This is a generally positive attribute for librarians, but books are no longer our sole concern. This program is technology-intensive, from which there is no escape. You will be doing web pages, learning about algorithms for information retrieval, finding out just how little you know about computers in general, and taking classes online whether you like it or not. If you are computer-phobic, this is not meant to scare you. It is meant to help mentally prepare you. I used to hate/mistrust computers with a passion. And look at me now -- I'm a webmaster! Ta-Da!
Survival Guide Contents
- FAQ's About the Program... and Answers in Plain English
- General Unsolicited Advice From Those Who Have Been in Your Shoes
- Things About UB That Are Not Immediately Apparent, But Are Good to Know
- Special Notes for Public Librarians
- Special Notes for SLMS
- Been Carded?
- Helpful Websites
FAQ's About the Program....and Answers in Plain English
All post-graduate students have to write a thesis, right?
This is a Master's program, but there is no required thesis, to the relief of many. However, if you don't feel you will have really earned your Master's without writing one, it is certainly an option you can discuss with your advisor.
Speaking of advisors, do I have to stick with the one assigned to me?
No, you do not have to stay with your assigned advisor. As a matter of fact, you are free to approach any faculty member you believe would advise you best. Although no one will be offended about you changing advisors, it would be tactful to let your assigned advisor know you are switching.
Dr. Robinson adds, "The faculty who signs your Plan of Study is automatically your advisor, so you can change during your first semester by simply asking your desired advisor to sign your Plan of Study. If you’d like to change advisors after submitting your Plan of Study in LIS 505, you’ll need to resubmit a new Plan of Study, signed by your new advisor." Also, you are not married to the plan you create in your first semster. You may change it at anytime, following the above procedure.
What are practica all about?
A practica gives you, the information professional, the opportunity to work in the real world with potential employers. It is especially important to act like a professional. It should also be noted that you are not required to do your practica in Western New York or even in the United States. The world is your oyster. Think big. Do your practica at the Library of Congress. Do it in Chicago, Paris, London, Mexico City, Sydney....Your only limitation is your imagination.
How can I get up-to-date information about the department?
The department has a Listserv that all students should subscribe to. Compared to other MLS listservs that will remain anonymous, ours is very professional -- there is little extraneous material posted. Many postings are announcements from the department or from student organizations. Job and volunteer opportunities probably make up the bulk of postings. Occasionally, pertinent news items are brought to the list. To join the list, go to the UB LISTSERV site and put UBMLS-L in the box. You will be given directions to follow from there.
General Unsolicited Advice From Those Who Have Been in Your Shoes
"Ask questions! If you have a burning desire to know "something" keep digging until you find your answer. If the fist person you asked doesn't know, ask that person if they know where you can go to find your answer."
"Write down the due dates of all assignments in a planner or calender as soon as you get the syllabus so that you can plan your study and work time effectively. (I learned this one the hard way!)"
"There is a LOT of work involved in this program. Don't make the mistake of thinking you can get this assignment done quickly--allow yourself AMPLE time to complete assignments. It will slightly reduce your stress levels."
"There's not enough parking, and you never leave yourself enough time to find a space before class starts."
"Tell new students that they can email their professors before a semester starts to get the syllabus for a class...to read ahead...to use the syllabus to decide whether to take the class....to have time to buy used texts etc...."
"FYI...Most of the buildings on campus are connected by walkways. Find them! This knowledge is especially useful in February, unless you enjoy following in the footsteps of Admiral Byrd."
The Informatics lab is located in Room 14 in the basement of Baldy. Unless a class is being held, you can get things printed quickly there. The lab schedule is posted on the door of the lab.
The amount of stuff you are expected to know can seem overwhelming. The good news is, there are helps out there. In fact, some of the faculty have very useful websites. Even if you aren't taking any of their classes, these sites are worth snooping around in to find reputable reference sites, life-saving tutorials (for those of you who have never designed a webpage, there is no getting through this program without designing several), as well as links to some of the more curious aspects of librarian culture. (Thank you, Dr. Brown-Syed.) These include, but certainly are not limited to:
Things About UB That Are Not Immediately Apparent, But Are Good to Know
Did you know we have our very own reference librarian? Her name is Cindi Tysick and she can be reached via e-mail, to help you with those difficult-to-find answers to your library science questions.
Microwaves are generally available near vending machine areas, though sometimes you have to look for them. One popular area is on the 2nd floor at the intersection of Capen and Norton. Another is right across from Lockwood library in its own enclosed space -- sauna conditions guaranteed year round.
Speaking of Lockwood.....Lockwood is the Graduate library, as opposed to the Undergraduate library in Capen. In Lockwood, there is no 1st floor. Don't ask why, just know that the main floor is labelled "2". From a student -- "When there is trouble in the lab it is great to know that in the basement of Lockwood, in the Government Documents section, there is a bank of computers with two printers. The wait time there for printing is usually much less than it is in any of the other libraries on campus."
Wear a watch. UB has a peculiar aversion to placing clocks in classrooms. Conveniently-placed clocks are few and far between.
Do you look at those rows of lockers with longing? Do you envy those who are able to put thier coats and books in a secure place? How can you be one of the lucky ones? Contact the Office of Student Unions to rent a locker: $15 for one semester, $25 for two semesters.
Special Notes for Public Librarians
Note that on the courses listed on the departments Specializations page are guidelines. They are not written in stone, and you do not have to take them all for certification. New York State simply requires a degree from an ALA accredited institution like UB.
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Special Notes for SLMS
"Take the LAST test as soon as you've finished your education courses. It makes it easier if you don't have to deal with that near the end when you're trying to get applications for jobs out and everything that goes with it."
"Think long and hard before choosing school media if you are not already certified in some educational area. Many places want certification in school media + something (ex. elementary ed.) Realize that it will be much more difficult to become a LMS without that additional certification/experience."
Been Carded?
Not for a 6-pack, but your UB card. Distance students are particuarly reluctant to get their card because campus might be quite a drive for them. The FSA (Faculty Student Association) which provides these cards really focus on what the card can do for on-campus students. However, the card is important for students off campus as well, becuase it gives you your password so you can access to a number of very useful UB sites. For more information about your UBITName and password, click here. That little piece of plastic is your ticket to the following benefits of being a UB student:
- Library Card
Who cares if I'm never on campus? Your UB/Library card allows you access to all the library's databases online. You can print off all those articles you'll be collecting in the privacy and comfort of your own home. - UBLearns
Some faculty make extensive use of this tool. If you are in a class where this is true, you are seriously out of the loop if you don't have your card set up. - Email
There are times where it might be adventageous for your message to come from buffalo.edu instead of some yahoo. - Software
UBMicro is a store on campus where you can get FREE or ridiculously cheap software. You are paying for it anyway with your tuition, so you might as well make the most of it. If you are only going on campus once to get your card, plan on stopping at UBMicro as well to make good use of it. This link gives you an idea of what UBMicro has to offer. - Museums
Ok, so it's not a benefit specific to UB students, but your UB card will get you into many museums and other attractions at the reduced student rate. Why not make the most of your current student status?
