Jimi Mitchell.
knew I was in this sector for the long- haul. It’s important for you to reflect on your own circumstances when consider- ing which course to choose. When writing your application, have a goal in mind about what you want from the course. This will most likely change as you progress through your course and expand your knowledge of the sector – it certainly did for me – but having that initial focus will allow you to hit the ground running.
The RGU course
A number of my colleagues at GCU had previously attended the RGU course and I could see clearly how it had benefitted them by the skills they were applying to their work.
Completing the course part-time and distanced was definitely the right decision for me. I cannot count the times that I would discover something during research for an assignment and gain a deeper understanding of it after bringing it to my more experienced colleagues. I found it challenging at times to balance my workload in the library and my university assignments, however there was plenty of support from the team at RGU and I soon was able to overcome this difficulty. Another feature which I wasn’t expecting to gain from the course was the peer interaction. I had anticipated that due to it being distance learning there would be few opportunities to meet and discuss the modules with my peers. However, the course at RGU is set up to ensure that this happens with regular optional seminars and a
September 2023
fantastic forum where weekly questions are posed for the group to discuss. It has been fantastic seeing some of these peers at conferences and events throughout the year and really makes you feel part of the LIS community.
What I gained from the course I am about to begin my final module in the course and then will be moving on to my research project next year. However, even before finishing, I can already see the benefits the course has given me in my development in the sector.
As well as widening my knowledge of the theories underpinning the LIS profession, the course has also enhanced my practical skills in terms of cataloguing, classification
and management. Working with the module leaders I have been able to begin new initiatives in my work such as opening up a recording studio with a view to developing a metadata standard for podcasts. Undoubtedly my favourite part of the course has been getting the opportunity to engage with the sector as a whole. I think it’s vitally important that you keep abreast of the issues facing the sector that you are in. CILIP offer a number of great events, a lot of them free, which will allow you to network and discover more about the experiences of your peers. This led to me achieving the honour of being named on the CILIP 125 list. I have no doubts that choosing the right course has ensured this. IP
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