NGG & CSU Dinner

After the LT Conference volunteer meeting, I headed to the European Bier Cafe for dinner with the ALIA New Graduate Group of Victoria and the Charles Sturt University Melbourne Study Tour students. As I am still studying at CSU, it was a great chance for me to meet some fellow students, and of course lecturer Damian Lodge. It consisted of undergraduate students, teacher-librarians and masters students. A great mix! I always love to hear where people work and in what environment. I mean to me school libraries are so alien! I don't think its a job I could do but I really admire those who do! Just to listen to the different issues facing libraries across different sectors is always amazing.

Plus, I was in a position to offer advice to students doing the undergraduate course as I had done it through CSU too. I told them what subjects were easy, hard and how to get credits! In the CSU course you also study a non-library major which is always interesting to hear why people chose certain areas. Also we discussed the choice of electives - I mean I personally wouldn't touch an IT subject but others felt there weren't enough!

There is always the discussion of "When are you finished?". Many of the students were finishing this year, or next year. There are always a few unfortunate souls who have 3 more years left to go! I suppose though as the CSU course is by distance education, it's just nice to sit down with fellow students who are going through the same as you. Most people work full time, study a couple of subjects and either have kids or other commitments. It's nice to know you aren't the only one who spends a Saturday night at home completing assignments!

INF513 - First assignment down!!

Well - what a relief. The first assignment is down for the semester. Only 4 more to go!! I mean I can't really complain or anything because it was only 500 words, (of which mine was considerably less), but never the less it is finished. I am studying two subjects this semester. ETL525 Knowledge Management and INF513 Research Methods in Information Studies.

ETL525 has two assignments where you have to define KM and tacit knowledge and then discuss KM in your own workplace. Should be interesting. I have got through one reading so far so am trying to get my head around all the new jargon.

INF513 has three assignments. The first one (today's) in which I had to pick a area to research in LIM using "qualitative" methodologies. The second assignment then extends on these. So I picked the use of PDA's in medical libraries and hypothetically used mine as an example. We don't actually have to carry out the research or anything yet so that's ok. Not sure what the third assignment in on. Case studies or Action research or something.

Anyway, I really enjoy studying at CSU as it gives me the flexibility I need living in the country. However I can't wait for the semester to be over and it hasn't even really begun yet!!