The tragedy of a B+, the long-term consequences of a crying jag, and cataloging mischief

Over the next two months I will unwind my Library School Diaries. I attended Wayne State from 2003-2006.

I nearly dropped out when my first assignment netted me a B+, convinced no future effort could overcome my failure to make an A on a two-page book report. I made friends in the very first class (and beyond) that I still have today.

I discovered to my delight that cataloging was hands-down the most laugh-out-loud, endearing, mischievous library specialty of all (and I’ll prove it!).

I bombed a metadata test and went to the prof crying uncontrollably and explained, without really explaining anything, that a very personal, very bad experience had happened on testing day and asked for an extra credit assignment to make up for the exam.

I still see her at conferences where she eyes me and starts most interactions with, “I remember you.”

And that’s the thing about library school. You meet people who you will be hiring, and who will be hiring you, for the rest of your career. Watch that reputation, ladies and gents, because it is irreplaceable.

My WSU stories begin Monday, March 2!