The Benefits of Professional Associations
Professional associations were something that I had heard of only in passing before I decided on my career change into the library and information sector. However, when I began my […]
Techie Tidbit: Extensible Markup Language (XML)
I’ve already written in previous posts about my fairly “amateur” foray into the world of libraries as an MLS student – that is, my lack of specific experience in the […]
Preparing to job-search: Some considerations
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on November 28, 2011. For those of us preparing to graduate in the next several months, it’s time. Time to get ready to job search. Or, as I’m known to do, it’s time to prepare to get ready to job search because, hey, […]
Reading Recs – November 2022
Once a month(-ish), we bring you an update from a few Hackers on things we’ve been reading, enjoying, and learning that month, whether that’s fiction, non-fiction, an interesting article, or […]
Detaching self worth and productivity in library school
As we race towards the end of the year and our semesters come to a crashing close, I am reflecting on my relationship to rest, hard work, and what it means to be a good student.
Why You Need Project Management
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on July 23, 2014. I saw a whole bunch of family and friends I don’t get to see very often not long ago, and naturally many of them asked me what I’m taking for classes this summer. I learned pretty early in my […]
Call for Art: Hacking the Library
Hacking the Library: Call for Creative WorkAn Exhibit by Wrest Virginia University Art in the Libraries ProgramExhibition Dates: Online and Print: August 2023 – June 2024 About: The hacker ethos in the positive sense is about the ability to deconstruct and reconstruct information systems. We invite you to highlight the […]
Researching Book Challenges
Studying library values and best practices to respond to book challenges was a valuable research project this semester
But what classes should I take?
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on February 2, 2011. As I’m sure many readers can attest to, it can be difficult to figure out the “right” path to take in library school in terms of courses. Since I was fairly undecided as to what type of library I […]
Explaining the U.S. News & World Report MLIS Rankings
This is a guest post from Morgan Adle, MLS. Morgan has written previously for HLS here and here. U.S. News & World Report publishes rankings of graduate schools and programs, […]
Low-demand High-need Collections, Programs and Services: Beyond the Numbers
I get it; at first glance of this post’s title, you may be thinking why would libraries cater to anything that is in low-demand? Our budgets only stretch so far, […]
TikTok for Libraries
It is shocking how few libraries are on TikTok. It’s not exactly new, but it’s definitely *the* up-and-coming social media platform. I’ve written about social media for libraries on HLS […]
Beyond “Moana”: Hawai’i/Pacific Resources
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on December 5, 2016. Even if you haven’t gone out yet to see it, you probably know by now that Disney’s new film, […]
Library School Career Center: University of Iowa
Here is this week’s installment of the Library School Career Center feature, which is presented in partnership with the folks from the blog Hiring Librarians. If you’re interested in library […]
How to identify and avoid study burnout
It’s something that most of us experience at some point in our lives, but may not have a name for. If you can, find a quiet moment to ask yourself, […]
Editing Wikipedia While In Library School
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on April 17, 2014. Are you a Wikibrarian? I recently became one—a librarian who edits Wikipedia (“the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit”)—and I have found the experience rewarding in the extreme. I have even stumbled into a role as an embedded consultant, helping faculty teach undergrads […]
On Being an MLS Student with No Library Work Experience
My decision to apply for an MLS program was one motivated primarily by the desire for a career change. My previous transitions between jobs have often been linked by more […]
The Library School Career Center
Exciting news! Hack Library School and Hiring Librarians are collaborating on a project to explore and share insights about the career and job placement support provided by our library schools. […]
Podcasts, Data Models, and a Library Student
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on September 18, 2018. What does a data model for long term storage of podcasts look like? For a person just entering into […]
Trans and Gender Diverse LIS Network
This is a guest post from Stephen Krueger. The Trans and Gender Diverse LIS Network is a closed online community of trans and gender diverse people who work in libraries. […]
Cutting through the noise: Graphic design tips on how to communicate better with patrons
As a graphic design professional for the past decade I am here to hopefully help you overwhelm your patrons a little less, and capture their interest more. Imagine I have […]
Technology in Education: Too Much or Not Enough?
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on November 11, 2013. My first interaction with a computer was in my second grade public school classroom. Each day we had a set rotation where students either spent the afternoon reading a book, writing in a journal, or playing in the “computer […]
This Is How I Study: Part 1
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on April 8, 2015. Inspired by the popular Lifehacker series, This Is How I Work, and the companion post from Letters to a Young […]
Writing your Best MLIS Application Essay
Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Morgan Adle, MLS. Writing application essays can be intimidating and a complete mystery to most of us. Having spent the last 4 […]
Journaling in Grad School
Journal through library school to document your experience and lessons learned along the way.
The Power of Zines
I’ve discovered a new obsession lately: the zine. In this post, I will get into a brief history and examination of what zines are and how they pertain to libraries. […]
Hacking the Elevator Pitch
Editor’s note: this article was originally published on June 17, 2013. One of the things I most love about librarianship is the diversity of the field. People choosing library science come from any background you can think of, and once they have the degree their choices are manifold. As an […]
Making the Most of your MLIS
Editor’s note: This is a guest article from Morgan Adle, MLS I finished my MLS in 2015 and managed the MLIS Program at UMD for 4 years until the Summer […]
6 People You Meet at Online Library School
One of the underrated joys of library school is being able to observe your fellow classmates. We come from different places and backgrounds, it’s true, but after a while, you […]
Books and Business: Three Steps to Connect with Entrepreneurs
Last time I was on the blog, I talked about how entrepreneurial lessons can benefit librarians. There is a clear relationship between the business world and the business of librarianship. […]
Reflections on Information Privilege
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on May 8, 2018. Last month I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Coalition for Networked Information’s Spring Membership Meeting. While the […]
Fall Into Canadian Reads
Editor’s note: This is a guest article from Michelle Boivin-Carriere. Fall is such a cozy season. As summer break is long behind, we work ever harder towards our MLIS. To […]
Those end of semester thoughts and feelings
It’s almost that time of year (at least for those of us in the southern hemisphere). Cue 80’s power rock song “The Final Countdown” complete with laser light display, disco […]
DDC vs. LCC
Long before Batman vs. Superman or Alien vs. Predator, a far more intense battle between library classification systems was waged – and it continues to this day.
On Being a “Traditional” Librarian
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on December 16, 2013. For the past few months, in addition to being a full time student, I’ve also been working as a librarian at an elementary school. The other day, I was talking to a friend about my job, and she excitedly […]
Free digital tools that could make library school easier.
For the low cost of free, these apps and websites might just help you out.
Hiring Librarians: An Inside Look at an HLS Collab
Back in 2013, Hack Library School made connections with the creator of Hiring Librarians, Emily Weak, in hopes of bringing even more insider information to the readers of both sites. As a website dedicated to helping library and information science professionals learn the ins and outs of landing jobs at […]
Charting a different course
One grad student’s experience dropping a course
Connecting the Dots: Cataloging and Metadata, The Interview Edition
Editor’s note: This article was originally published June 4, 2014. For the next installment in our technical services mini-series, I’m delighted to introduce long-time HLS commenters and all-around great guys, Jason W. Dean and Elliot D. Williams. When I was first starting library school, I basically cold-called both Elliot and […]
Progress Beats Perfection: Trevor Owens on Digital Preservation
This is a guest post from Scott Richard St. Louis. Trevor Owens. The Theory and Craft of Digital Preservation. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2018. Day by day, our digital […]
Advocating for Video Games in Your Library
Whether you’re a library user, board member, or staff member, you may find yourself in the position of pitching or defending video games for your library. There are many ways […]
Am I Doing This Right? Library School While You Still Have a Life
Ah yes, it’s back-to-school season, friends. Time to get ourselves refamiliarized with the sensations of lectures, discussions, and homework. If you were lucky, you had the summer off and had […]
In library school, and life, you have more time than you think.
Editor’s note: this article was originally published on June 5, 2019. For the sake of context, I’m going to talk about myself for a moment. In addition to being a […]
Standing Out: Becoming a Star Candidate in a Highly Competitive Job Market
This is a guest post from Elizabeth Szkirpan. Elizabeth’s first post can be found here. It’s no secret that the last two years have been exceedingly challenging for new LIS […]
Private Sector Gems for Public Librarians
Before stepping into the world of public librarianship three years ago, corporate America was my stomping ground. I spent the first twenty years of my career doing just about anything […]
Preparing for the Hunt: Tips for Setting Yourself Up for Post-MLIS Success Now
This is a guest post from Elizabeth Szkirpan. My MLIS program was a blur. The various papers and hundreds of discussion posts seemed endless at the time, but I look […]
The Joy and Dread of Working on Group Assessments
If you are anything like me, reading the words “you must complete a group assessment” at the beginning of a semester, fills you with both surprising joy and overwhelming dread. […]
Access, Accessibility, & Edgar Allan Poe
I recently celebrated the end of the summer with a somewhat impulsive trip to Providence, Rhode Island. As a native Coloradan, my landlocked background thoroughly equipped me to enjoy the […]
Reading Recs – August 2022
Once a month(-ish), we bring you an update from a few Hackers on things we’ve been reading, enjoying, and learning that month, whether that’s fiction, non-fiction, an interesting article, or […]
Juggling
Editor’s note: This article was originally published January 14, 2015. I mostly read HLS posts from my fellow contributors and nod along – I learn new things all the time […]
Grad School 2.0
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on February 13, 2015. Editor’s Note: This is a guest post by Nancy Albers Shore, a master’s candidate at the University of South […]
Hack Your Program: University of North Texas
Disclaimer: This post represents the perspectives and experiences of a current student at the University of North Texas. This information is accurate only at the time of publication, and the […]
Tips for getting organized for the new semester
The first week of the semester is a great time to set up a project management system for yourself before the chaos of actual coursework. In my grad school experience […]
Shelved: Hopes and Expectations
It’s being described “like The Office, but in a Library”. Never have I been so excited for an upcoming TV series. Anthony Q. Farrell (who worked as a writer on […]
6 Movies with Libraries & Librarians to Watch Before Summer Ends
I haven’t given up on summer yet. School doesn’t start for another two weeks, so I’m going to wring every last drop of relaxation out of my remaining school-free days. […]
Ethical & accessible design in libraries
Librarians & designers agree: With great power comes great responsibility.
Locally Grown Library Advocate
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on January 6, 2012. A year and a half ago I wouldn’t have described myself as an advocate for much of anything. Ive always kept aware and informed on ‘the issues’ and I always vote—but until recently I didn’t sign petitions, or call […]
The Practical Practicum
As I enter my second year (and final, Goddess willing!) of library school, I’m excited for several things happening this semester. I will be the incoming president of our school’s […]
The challenge of studying an online degree and the importance of a support system
A few of the things I have come to realize in the last 3 years is that firstly, online study is hard. I mean really hard. Secondly, do not leave […]
Tips for Your First Semester of Library School
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on August 19, 2015. Starting library school this semester? We’ve been there! Here’s our advice on everything from scheduling to technology to maintaining […]
The Question of Concentrations
THAT is the question. Although I feel like I’ve just started my journey as an MLS student, by the end of this week I will officially be one-third of the […]
Happy Summer break!
HLS will be on a break for the month of July, but we’re so excited for the amazing new content we’ll have starting in August! In the meantime we hope […]
Prepping for Post-Conference Opportunities
Editor’s note: This post was originally published on June 25, 20164 Conferences, big or small, tend to be overwhelming, especially as a student. There is tons of information to absorb, there […]
Reading Recs – June 2022
Once a month, we bring you an update from a few Hackers on things we’ve been reading, enjoying, and learning that month, whether that’s fiction, non-fiction, an interesting article, or […]
Kissing frogs, not every job will be a prince[ss], and that’s okay: A.K.A Job hunting disappointment and how to deal
I’m officially done with graduate school now, my graduation was June 8, so I am officially a librarian now – even if I am working in a job where that’s […]
Staying Sharp During the Summer
Editor’s note: This post was originally published on July 28, 2016 One of the most important aspects of library school and, in the future as we pursue work in the […]
Web Archives and the Future of Historical Inquiry: “History in the Age of Abundance” Book Review Part II
This is a guest post from Scott Richard St. Louis, and is a continuation of this post. What changes to the contemporary structure of the historical profession will be necessary […]
Looking Back and Forward: A Farewell
The last two years have somehow felt incredibly long while also whizzing by incredibly fast. This seems to be the nature of both pandemic time and grad school, and so […]
“Post” Pandemic Trends in the Library
I started my current job right before the pandemic started, so I have a faint, yet glittering, memory of what library life was like pre-pandemic. Strange as it is to […]
Web Archives and the Future of Historical Inquiry: “History in the Age of Abundance” Book Review Part I
This is a guest post from Scott Richard St. Louis. Milligan, Ian. History in the Age of Abundance? How the Web is Transforming Historical Research. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2019. […]
Emergency Prep for Small Spaces & Budgets
Emergency preparedness and disaster training: not the most fun or uplifting topic, but an important one. I’ll try not to cover too much of the same ground as Alyssa or […]
Future Plans and Farewells!
Yesterday we said ‘hello’ to our new writers…but today we need to wish our graduating staff a fond farewell! We asked them to share with us some highlights from their […]
Welcome New Writers!
We are delighted to announce that Hack Library School has welcomed new contributing writers. We were all very impressed with the range of interests and experiences that they will bring to the blog. Without further ado, here they are! Katherine Dimmick Katherine Dimmick is a third year student (about to […]
Music Librarianship
Editor’s note: This is a guest post by Sarah Alexander, and was originally published on April 1, 2013. I recently went to the Music Library Association Conference in San Jose, California where I spent five days talking about music and books. And books about music. And organizing the music that […]
The Future of Algorithms and Collaborative Tagging in Our Libraries
Editor’s note: This is a guest post by Jessica Luna. Searching has become a common thread in my daily life as an MLIS student. Learning basic and advanced methods of […]
Am I Ready for Library School? [Starter Kit]
Thoughts On Being A Younger Library School Student Editor’s Note: This is a guest post by Julia Feerrar, and was originally published on September 5, 2012. Just three months ago I walked across a stage in south-central Pennsylvania to receive my undergraduate degree. I thought of the hard work completed, […]
So You Wanna Do A Thesis? Part 1: Preparation
This article was originally published on October 20, 2016. Welcome to my new series about my decision to do the thesis option for my program, and my advice to those […]
A Library Job May Not Happen For Me
This is a guest post from Charly Stoehr. In 2009, being at a crossroads with my current career ending, I decided to take some classes that I had always wanted […]
Library adjacent: One librarian’s journey in academic publishing (non-traditional/alternative library jobs)
If you’ve been following my writing for any length of time here, or you’re someone with an interest in non-traditional and alternative paths to librarianship then you are probably already […]
Things I Wished I Knew Before I Started Grad School
Since I’m graduating this May, I wanted to use my final HLS blog post to reflect a bit on the things I wish I knew before I started grad school. […]
Reflection and Rest: A Necessary Part of Learning
Wrapping up my second year of library school, I have finally had a little time to pause and reflect, which led me to wonder, did I actually learn anything? This […]
Hack the Librarian Wardrobe: Feminine [2022]
I love wearing clothes. Nothing can boost my confidence like a cute outfit. Especially when days can be so…repetitive, clothes bring me life. If you’re here, you might feel the […]
What’s in a program?
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on July 7, 2016. Recently a panel of Catholic University of America faculty and department affiliates interviewed me as a part of a […]
The Wonderful World of Non-Traditional Library Collections: Spotlight on Seeds!
Editor’s note: this article was originally published on January 25, 2017. You probably know by now that libraries worldwide are lending out so much more than books and media. To […]
Final Thoughts on my MLIS Journey
Like many previous bloggers, my time has come to say farewell to Hack Library School and reflect on the last three years. I graduate on June 4 and will be […]
Teach Yourself to Shelve
I started my library career as a page at a branch of a midsize public library system, and I still maintain that it’s my favorite job I ever had. (If […]
Creating a Meteorology Maker Space
Editor’s note II: This article was originally published on January 8, 2015. Editor’s Note: This is a guest post by Katherine Hickey, MS and Kyungwon Koh, PhD. Innovative learning spaces called […]
Hack Your Program – Simmons (Update)
This article was originally written by a full-time on-campus student in 2011 but has since been updated by two current Simmons students and a recent graduate in 2022. Below are short bios and reasons why we chose Simmons over other programs as a preface to where our opinions are coming […]
What I learned from the peer review process
Editor’s note: This article was originally published May 25, 2012. Links have been updated but no other changes have been made. Back in March 2011, Micah wrote a post on the need for LIS students to foster a culture of writing and sharing. I followed his advice (as it has […]
I Spent Years Preparing for a Library Job — It Never Came
Landing a librarian gig seemed simple enough. After all, I already had a year of experience working as a circulation assistant at a law library when I applied to UW-Madison’s […]
Call for New Writers!
Hey there readers! Have you recently been accepted to a library or information science program? Are you partway through your schooling and feel like you have news and insights to […]
Snapshot: The Life of a Supervisor
This month I’d like to take a minute to build on some recent pieces by Melissa and the other Lauren B. where they took you behind the scenes into their […]
Gaining Practical Experience (Without a Library Job)
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on January 18 2017 You’ve done it! You’ve begun library school and are well on your way to earning your MLIS and reaching […]
Advice for Starting a New Job During Grad School
I’ve been very fortunate to have gotten a new full-time librarian job before I graduate from my MLIS program this May, but transitioning to a new job in the middle […]
Programming Ideas for Libraries
I love programming. It’s my favorite part of my job. It is enormously satisfying to see patrons enjoying themselves in the library. In the best situations, they learn something too. […]
Accidental Special Librarian – advice for when you decide to pursue the “alternate” path
Editor’s note: this article was originally published on September 21, 2017 Like many LIS students, I went into the program with the goal of someday working at a library as […]
A Critical Pedagogy Reading List
As I work my way closer to my professional goal of becoming an instruction librarian, I have found myself digging deeper into the theory and practice of critical pedagogy. If […]
So, you want to apply to LIS grad school? Advice from a student MLIS Admissions Committee member.
Disclaimer: This post is particular to the author’s perspectives and opinions. It is not intended to be representative or indicative of any other member of the MLIS Admissions Committee and […]
Priorities: being mature and being a student
Editor’s note: this article was originally published on February 29, 2016. As I get started with my second semester, I thought it would be a good time to re-visit the […]
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