For me, it's a particularly interesting question. Why after so many years of being a well-trained practitioner in the world of library and information science as well as a college instructor, I have decided to leave the New York City behind in order to go back to school, and become a first-year Ph.D. student at the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology?
I think that it may be somehow explained by my natural curiosity, passion for new knowledge, and an insatiable desire to find new intellectual challenges to meet.
In mid-nineties, I was still working in the Brooklyn Public Library, and I was able to witness firsthand the altering effects of so-called "computer revolution" on behavioral patterns of general public. For a couple of years, librarians all over the country were quite concerned about the issue of professional survival in this brave new computerized world. But then things calmed down a bit, and it has become clear that computers and databases, and endless other computer applications are only as good as the skill sets of their designers and those of the end users on the opposite side. Librarians, on the other hand, soon realized that their role is to become intermediaries between database and website designers and the public at large. Thus, I've become an intermediary, and was working closely with the universe of end users ever since.
Eventually, it dawned on me that it might be quite intriguing to cross over, and get the designers' side of the story. Since I've been concentrating mostly on the Federal Government Information, it appeared logical that my research interests turned to E-government.
At present, I am only at the very beginning of my journey into the fascinating world of academic adventure, so I plan to invest some time into exploring my research options in more details, and then sail off to the distant shores of scientific discoveries.
I think that it may be somehow explained by my natural curiosity, passion for new knowledge, and an insatiable desire to find new intellectual challenges to meet.
In mid-nineties, I was still working in the Brooklyn Public Library, and I was able to witness firsthand the altering effects of so-called "computer revolution" on behavioral patterns of general public. For a couple of years, librarians all over the country were quite concerned about the issue of professional survival in this brave new computerized world. But then things calmed down a bit, and it has become clear that computers and databases, and endless other computer applications are only as good as the skill sets of their designers and those of the end users on the opposite side. Librarians, on the other hand, soon realized that their role is to become intermediaries between database and website designers and the public at large. Thus, I've become an intermediary, and was working closely with the universe of end users ever since.
Eventually, it dawned on me that it might be quite intriguing to cross over, and get the designers' side of the story. Since I've been concentrating mostly on the Federal Government Information, it appeared logical that my research interests turned to E-government.
At present, I am only at the very beginning of my journey into the fascinating world of academic adventure, so I plan to invest some time into exploring my research options in more details, and then sail off to the distant shores of scientific discoveries.
Anna,
It's interesting that both you and I were a part of this wonderful "revolution" of computer technology. Your first hand knowledge came from the libraries and mine from the hospital lab. Both of us experienced co-worker's who worried that some "computer" would take away their positions, to a work environment where people are now needed that have business and technology backgrounds.
Yes, it is a different world for both us being here at Penn State but I also remember the first time I walked into that laboratory so long ago. I was so nervous and so new. I don't know if you ever felt "new" or felt overwhelmed those first few days at the library but I think if we both persevere we'll somehow find our bearings and make it through this.
Heidi
PS
All the missions are worth the time, if you ever have a chance to visit them :)