INLS 461 Introduction Jennifer Kusnyer

UNC graduate, 2001

Why I Took This Course I thought it would be a good introduction to the field of Information and Library Science. I really felt like I needed to familiarize myself with everything that is current in regards to information tools.

BA, Russian Language and Literature

Jobs I’ve Had Since Then… (Interestingly, none of them having to do with Russian language or literature…)

ESL Instructor ESL Instructor at a community college. I enjoyed helping my students further their education, whether it was learning to speak their first sentence in English, or preparing to take the TOEFL to attend a University in the United States.

Nonprofit Nonprofit work… in many, many capacities. Extremely rewarding, but exhausting at the same time.

Financial Aid Administrator. Not the most rewarding career choice, but there’s a lot to be said for stability. But I don’t want to spend the rest of my life reminding people to do their FAFSA.

Mother

Mother… Again

Why An Advanced Degree? Why Now?!

Advanced Degree Having been in various professional settings since I graduated, I’ve come to realize that an advanced degree is essential. I am also not ready to stop learning, and believe that now is the time to begin this journey, even if it needs to be made in baby steps!

Which Environment? I have just begun this journey, so I’m not 100% sure of which library or information environment interests me. I’m still trying to identify my niche. However, I have some ideas…

Public Libraries The idea of public libraries interests me because they are a resource for everyone. I have always thought that their purpose in the community should be strengthened.

School Libraries I believe that the importance of acquiring information begins at an early age, and I would love to play a role in this trend in the coming years.

Which Tools? ???

ESL I think that information tools could be used to really advance this field, for both children and adults. I found that the adults I taught were very isolated. They were working hard to learn English, but then didn’t use it outside of basic survival.

Bridging Gaps I think that it is important to continue to bridge the gaps between native speakers and English as a Second Language Learners.

Nonprofits’ Messages I imagine that I will learn information that could have served me well in my nonprofit work, whether it be in the area of educational outreach or volunteer recruitment or fundraising.

??? I’m looking forward to learning things which will help serve me in my future career. Thank you.