Comps

My library school program requires a comprehensive exam for graduation. It consists of an essay question for each of four topics: Information Technology, Issues, Management, and Services. We were given "hints" about each question, most including suggested readings, in late August. We will get the questions on October 29 and will turn in our answers (up to 6 pages each) on November 6.

Other library schools have different graduation requirements. A few require or provide the option for a Master's thesis, which would be an opportunity to write something publishable while in graduate school. Other schools require an electronic portfolio, a helpful device during the job search. I like the possibilities inherent in both of those. But I'm finding unexpected benefits in the comprehensive exam.

First, my study group is awesome. Every week I spend an hour or so with several other almost-librarians talking about library issues. Hard to imagine a better experience in one's last semester of library school.

Second, and related, I am reading widely in library literature--including IT articles about Google Scholar and federated searching, recent ALA council actions, and the 1848 preface to Poole's Index to Periodical Literature.

Third, I'm using all of my newly-minted librarian skills to find material relevant to the four quesions. The hints for the Management question mentioned the Enlightenment, Max Weber, and a couple of guys in the "Frankfurt School" of sociologists. Those have been fun new topics to explore, although it's not completely clear how this is all going to relate to the management of libraries.

Finally, I am really looking forward to Comps Week. I'm keeping everything cleared off my calendar for that week. I intend to spend all or most of the week at the cabin where I will walk, think, and write. Doesn't that sound like an inspiring vacation?     #

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