Becoming an Advocate for Libraries
“I knew when I began the MLS program that I’d be happy spending my career working in a library or archives,” says Master of Library Science student Nicholas Connizzo. “But, it has taken my education here at Maryland to introduce me to the larger policy issues related to information access that I’m now most interested in.”
As Treasurer of the Special Library Association (SLA) at Maryland and the MLS representative to the College Assembly, Connizzo is already taking an active role in his chosen profession. “While I’m sure I could do a great deal of good in a library, I feel I can serve even more people by advocating for libraries and ensuring equal access to information for everyone,” he says. “Our society needs libraries more than ever, but they are getting fewer and fewer resources.”
Connizzo, who graduates this May, came to the iSchool after completing his undergraduate degree at Dartmouth and working for a few years in the publishing industry. “I had a job in the library at the National Archives and coming to Maryland was the most convenient and economical option. I was really very fortunate that such a high quality program was available right in my backyard,” he says.
Connizzo has taken full advantage of the opportunities he has found here. In addition to his service with SLA and the College Assembly, he completed two research projects with faculty members that he hopes will result in published papers. “It sounds trite, but I really have gained so much more out of my graduate school experience by being more involved. There are so many resources and people available here who can help you if you take advantage of them. In my classmates and the faculty, I am leaving Maryland with a professional network of colleagues that I can learn from for many years to come.”