MS/LIS Leep students Jacqueline Mann, Abigail Mastin, and Kate Swope have been selected to receive scholarships from the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI). The scholarship provides financial assistance to current employees of CARLI Governing Member Libraries pursuing graduate studies leading to a master’s degree in library and information science at the University of Illinois. CARLI provides library services and support to 128 Illinois public universities, community colleges, private colleges and universities, and special libraries.
Mann, who holds a BA in anthropology and art history from DePaul University and an MA in art history from the University of Texas at Austin, currently works as a library assistant at Loyola University Chicago.
"After receiving my MS, I will ideally be able to combine my experience in art history and libraries and work my way up to a job at an academic library, archive, or museum," she said. "I particularly enjoy technical services and archival work—really hands-on with materials. I'm confident that the iSchool will help me learn and strengthen the skills I'll need to make these professional goals happen."
Mastin began her studies in the iSchool's Leep (online) program in spring 2020. She works as a reference librarian at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, where she also received her BA in journalism/communications.
"I have always wanted to be a librarian, and after 20 years of homeschooling five kids, my dream is finally coming true," she said. "I hope to continue working in academic libraries. I like the opportunity to help students achieve their goals."
Swope received her bachelor's and master's degrees in music/horn performance from the University of Louisville and a second master of music degree in conducting from Northern Illinois.
"After a few years of piecing together a music career, I thought I'd try something a bit outside of my comfort zone and began working as an orchestral librarian for the Rockford Symphony, where I quickly realized how much I enjoy working with the physical items that allow musicians to perform—sheet music," said Swope, who serves as the senior music library specialist at the Northern Illinois University Music Library. "I love that I am able to use all of my music skills in one place. I am working in an academic institution, teaching students how to conduct research, and using my performance background to locate just the right edition, manuscript, or recording my patron needs. The next step is to complete the MS/LIS and land that faculty position I've always wanted!"