Library School
Posted by Amanda on September 15th, 2009 . Filed under: School .It’s 2:15 a.m. and I’ve tried to go to bed already. I can’t sleep. I made a decision today that’s got my mind going in a million different directions.
I’m still unemployed. The job search definitely has me down. So I was thinking today. What would I do if I could do anything in the whole wide world? That answer is simple. I’d run a bookstore. Preferably my own bookstore, in an old two story farmhouse. I’d turn part of it into a cafe. Doesn’t that sound heavenly? But then I started thinking some more. Okay, the dream job is pretty much intangible right now. Maybe when I’m 60. Maybe. What about right now? The next best this is to be a librarian.
I’ve had this thought on and off since I was in college, but I knew you have to go to graduate school in order to be a librarian so it was never something I seriously considered. Until now.
I’m already in the middle of a career change. There aren’t many NPO’s out there hiring a database manager, so I’m applying for any jobs at all in any field that I can somehow kinda sorta finagle experience in. So why not go all the way and go for a career I’ll love?
I wish I’d thought of this last spring. As it is, it’s impossible for me to get accepted anywhere for the Spring semester. The application deadlines are October 15th, and even if I could scrape up the application fees in time, there’s no way at all I can take the GRE and have the scores ready by then. So I’m looking at March 15 for my deadline for the summer semester.
What that means right now is I have time to breathe (even if my hyper excited brain doesn’t want me to), research the programs around (for example, UNC has an accredited program and ECU has an online program in the process of being accredited), study (how the heck do you do that again?), and take the GRE at my leisure.
And then realize I don’t know how I’ll pay for grad school and start freaking out again.
But I want this. More than I’ve wanted anything in a very long time. I still have to find a job. I won’t be able to afford the application fees and test fees without it! But at least now I have a goal in mind: a direction for my life. I’m not just floundering about anymore.
So here it is, folks. I’m planning to apply for admission to a graduate program to obtain a Masters of Library Science.
I’m scared to death but completely excited.
September 15th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Okay, the dream job is pretty much intangible right now.
[Tech throws in a monkey wrench]
Why?!?
If that is you dream, do that! Just do it smartly. Start with a business plan. Find areas within driving distance that doesnt have a borders near it, but is still affluent enough that its likely that there is a market for a bookstore. (i.e. i’d lose the farmhouse concept for now). do some legwork and see how the area would receive a bookstore/cafe.
Explore costs. Where do you get books from (i’m sure they are ordered from a publisher, but perhaps there are distributors). Call up some publishers and see what it takes to get books. Then look at rents, etc etc.
See what kind of volume you need to have for you to pay rent, supplies, etc etc and for you to eat.
Put it all together in a business plan and go for a loan.
This is not simple. Its hard work. Its tedious (I’ve done it a few times). But if its what you think is your dream….DO IT!
September 15th, 2009 at 9:49 am
You go, girl. I’m really excited for you!
September 15th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Tech -
Aside from the obvious (that I don’t have a clue how to go about putting together a business plan), I just don’t see any bank giving me a loan. I’ve made stupid choices in my past that are going to haunt me for years to come. Not to mention… I can’t even afford a place to live, let alone figure out how to open a business.
And as far as the farmhouse idea… there’s actually a small town nearby that has a house for lease for commercial use, and everytime I drive by it on the way to Granny’s, I think how much I’d love to be able to get it.
Maybe I’m just too scared to try it for fear of failure. That’s the main reason I haven’t considered graduate school before now.
September 15th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Well I wont ask about your “stupid choices”, but a compelling business plan goes a long way towards a loan. But I don’t want to deter you from going to grad school, I loved it, you will too. Its hard also.
regardless of what you do, you are doing something and bettering yourself, I’m proud of you.
September 15th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Wonder if I could figure out a way to do both…