I have a little list ...
If there are any former or current SJSU people reading this, I'd like your input.
A while ago, I created a Yahoo group for SJSU library students who were/are interested in special librarianship and/or SLA. Unfortunately, it never quite took off (and I blame myself for this). The group has been completely quiet for months now, and it is about to expire unless it becomes active in the next week or so.
Should I let it die? I think there's definitely a need for a forum for libsci students at SJSU who want to learn more about special libraries or are frustrated by the lack of opportunities to focus on special library topics in the current curricula. In fact, I know there's been a lot of frustration in the past ... people will talk about it off-campus, in person, in small groups. But I think if we want to build a case for bringing our interests into higher profile, whispered asides to 2-3 people won't cut it.
On the other hand, it doesn't have to be me who rallies the troops ... I'm not much of a troop rallier nowadays, so it might be better to clear off and give space to someone else who can make a success of it.
Your thoughts?
Comments
hmm... sorry, your program ate my comments... let me try again (you can delete this part and the older one if this one posts in full)
We're working on setting up some speakers for the fall semester for ALASC and I'd love your suggestions on who we should approach from the Special Libraries side. It doesn't really address your question of whether you should keep up the mailing list, but let's definitely work to provide more opportunities for people to learn about special libraries and to meet other students on that track. If you do keep up the list, we could probably get it linked to the ALASC page to help more people find out about it?
Posted by: Emily | August 6, 2004 11:27 AM
As an SJSU Alumni who works in a special library and has hired SJSU students as interns, I say keep it alive if you can! And I would be willing to join and answer people's questions if they are interested.
Posted by: Laura | August 6, 2004 12:52 PM
You know my feelings!
I know students are interested because they also talk to me about frustrations and "feeling alone" in the department. I think some sort of community is important whether it's an online group, students-only physical meetings or informal student gatherings at local chapter meetings (or all of the above!).
Will you be introducing ALA and SLA at the new student orientation?
Posted by: Becky | August 7, 2004 08:52 AM
Eli,
Jessica posted on her blog about this and I definitely say keep the list going. I'd be willing to take over the list as well. It should be publicized fairly soon with upcoming student orientations.
Posted by: Amy | August 7, 2004 09:11 AM
Miss Eli,
I say "let it be". I am thinking of a bookmoblog, as I am now a bookmobyte. Thanks for the postcard BTW, what is your email?
Bankety
Posted by: Hank Bank | August 12, 2004 08:43 AM