Alternative Paths in the Field: School Library Students Reflect on an Academic Libraries Seminar

Students enrolled in American Library Association (ALA)–accredited graduate programs typically are on a specific track to work toward their individual career goals. While most degree programs require of all students a shared core curriculum, students also typically must take elective credits, which help narrow their focus toward their individual paths. Students interested in subfields within librarianship such as public, school, and academic librarianship will take courses that further specialize their knowledge in those areas. While a focused education in their chosen subfields is important, it also may be limiting in how students understand the profession more broadly. This study uses qualitative analysis to explore reflections from students on a school library track who completed an elective seminar about academic librarianship. Findings indicate that this coursework in a subfield outside of their own allowed them to reflect on their own roles and responsibilities as librarians, find common ground and collaboration possibilities, and envision expanded opportunities in their own career paths. Educators can take this information to support students’ exploration beyond prescribed career tracks, whether through offering and promoting electives across the curricula or through non-credit-bearing opportunities.