MSLIS student Chloe Miller is using her journalism background in her role as editorial assistant for the iSchool's quarterly journal, Library Trends. In the span of a year, Miller has proofed and edited nearly 2,000 references across approximately ten languages for adherence to the Chicago Manual of Style and provided foundational research for new policies and procedures.
Why did you decide to pursue an LIS degree?
As I was going through my undergraduate experience and majoring in both political science and journalism, I realized that I did not want to pursue a career in either path. I have always been an avid reader and public library patron, so I wondered if I could combine both the human interaction of journalism and the community work of political science in a library setting. It was a perfect match.
Why did you choose the iSchool?
This was the only MSLIS program I applied to—it was the iSchool or nothing. I'm a Missouri resident but going to Illinois State University made me fall in love with Illinois, so having this great program so close to my “home away from home” felt like a perfect fit. The small class sizes and amazing members of my cohort make it that much more special. All the professors, online or in person, are so supportive and kind and have truly taught me so much. I know attending this school will shape me into a better person and librarian.
What particular LIS topics interest you the most?
I love collection development. IS 530 Collection Development was a pivotal class that I took my first semester. It taught me how to develop policies for collection and how to weed material. This is a skill that will be useful in any library position. I also enjoy teen services. I think that teens are the most misunderstood demographic in youth services, and they need a librarian in their corner. It is an important time in a child's life, one filled with many changes and transitions. Teens are developing social and leadership skills, ones they can sharpen in a library, if given the proper programming and opportunities. Media literacy is critical to this development, and I have ample knowledge in spotting fake news and misleading information through my bachelor's degree in journalism. I hope to be a positive influence in their lives, if given the opportunity to work in teen services.
What do you do outside of class?
Since fall 2023, I've served as an editorial assistant for the iSchool's journal, Library Trends. One of my main tasks is to proof and correct the citations in every article. Surprisingly, I love this task. It is tedious work, but it truly helps both the researcher and the journal, and it reminds me of editing for AP Style in my journalism days. I also research for the journal: some of the topics that I have worked on include peer review processes, updating author names post-publication, and tracking journal metrics. This research is the basis for new journal policies and procedures. I am hoping to present some of my research in poster presentations this year.
Outside of class and my journal responsibilities, I like to crochet and read. My crochet crafts frequently become decorations for my apartment as well as thoughtful gifts for my friends and family. I have thoroughly read through the fantasy genre, so I am trying to expand into other genres, specifically nonfiction books. I recently finished The Courage to be Disliked by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi and am working on Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women's Anger by Soraya Chemaly. These books have opened my eyes to the brilliance of the genre. I also hang out with friends who live nearby and travel home to see my family once a month.
What career plans or goals do you have?
I plan to apply to both public and academic librarian positions. I want to settle either in Illinois or Michigan, so I will be focusing on job opportunities in these states. I would love to work in teen services in a public library or as an outreach or collection development librarian in an academic setting.