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Busy Lives: Library Work, Graduate School, Family - What Next?
by Jamie OsbornThe topic of work-life balance struck a chord. I hope the story of I deal with my busy life, my busy schedule, and my many responsibilities - and how I have built an incredible support system - may show others that it is possible to do it all. I'd like to share my experience working in a public library while attending graduate school, and talk about how LIS programs, as well as employers, should encourage flexible scheduling and offer as much support and encouragement as possible.
We're all busy
I currently work full-time as a Reference Assistant for the Knox County Public Library System in Knoxville, TN, attend graduate school part-time at the School of Information Science (SIS) at the University of Tennessee (UT), and have family obligations as a wife and a mother. This may sound like a lot of irons in the fire, but is far from an abnormal situation. Within my SIS program alone, a large percentage of students are returning students, attempting to finish graduate school while maintaining a full-time work load and attending to their families.
I am sure this phenomenon is far from unique to UT. It is, however, nice to know you are not alone. Discussions with co-workers or classmates about projects or outside activities, and how they are managing to fit it all in, can benefit everyone. In the end, most are able to manage hectic lives because of the support system they have built. The importance of support from families, spouses, partners, co-workers, supervisors, professors, and administrators cannot be overemphasized. Without this support, maintaining a normal life in the midst of chaos would be nearly impossible.
Finding balance in your life can be extremely difficult, but is much more difficult without a network, without that core group of "cheerleaders." Unfortunately, many people lack that network. I am fortunate to work for a library system that encourages continuing education and lucky to attend a university that recognizes the value of returning students by offering accommodating class schedules. So, where does that leave those who do not have these advantages?
Making advantages
Maintain a healthy line of communication with your employer. If they will not offer time off to attend class, or cannot arrange a flexible work schedule, it might be worth discussing alternatives they would be willing to consider. Stress the importance of educational goals, whether attending graduate classes, undergraduate classes, classes at a local community college, or workshops offered by professional organizations. Your desire to improve yourself professionally benefits your organization and employer just as much as it benefits you.
Employers often respond positively if they can see the effects firsthand. For instance, if you attend a class or workshop sponsored by a professional organization, your boss may be open to your sharing the information you have acquired by holding a mini- workshop. Taking this same philosophy and applying it to graduate school, your employer may reap the benefits of in-class assignments, such as collection development projects or cataloging classes.
Most LIS professionals understand the benefits of continuing education, and realize it only strengthens their branch, system, and the profession as a whole. Sadly, though, some may be very supportive of your educational goals, but due to budgetary constraints and scheduling shortfalls cannot allow flexible scheduling. If your employer cannot be flexible, then turn your attention to a graduate program that can.
Although I am geographically close to the UT SIS, the program appealed to me for a multitude of reasons, not just location. The program offers flexible class schedules that appeal to both part- time and full-time students. This unique scheduling lets students attend classes during the day, in the evening, on Saturdays, from campus, or even from home.
This type of scheduling shows great forethought in answering a need. Not everyone interested in an SIS degree has the ability to quit work to attend school, and flexible course scheduling has allowed the University to accept students from all across the country. If you are interested in attending graduate school, but do not have a program nearby, or would have to quit work to attend the one that is near you, there are alternatives. In addition to the University of Tennessee, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and Syracuse University (NY), just to name a few, all offer some sort of distance or online education options. Some programs also offer in-state tuition to students without a viable LIS program in their own state. The key is to research and find a program that is right for you, one that you can schedule into your already busy life. (Luckily, mine was in my own backyard!) Finding the right program makes getting a degree more manageable.
Each person is busy for different reasons. Mine happen to be library work, grad school, and family. All require time-management skills, multitasking, and comfort with the feeling of being overextended. Even with the right program and support from administrators, employers, and family, things are not always easy. I spend many late nights, early mornings, and weekend hours on projects for school or work.
Regardless of where your busy life takes you, though, your accomplishments should be lauded. I cannot imagine the sense of accomplishment I will feel once I finish my degree. At that point, I may not know what to do with all my free time! With appropriate support, busy lives do not always seem so busy. Sine everyone else is just as busy and involved, they just seem normal.
Jamie Osborn is a Reference Assistant at the McClung Historical Collection of the Knox County Public Library. She attends graduate school at the University of Tennessee in the School of Information Sciences.