Featured student: David Fernández
1. Why did you choose the iSchool?
I chose the iSchool because it is located at the centre of a dynamic community of scholars and professionals in the field of information and in other disciplines like book history.
2. Did you know what path you would choose before beginning your Masters? Any second thoughts on your planned area of study?
I decided to follow the Library Science path before I entered the program, but I was not sure what area of librarianship I wanted to specialize in. Now I am going into my second year with a clear goal and with enough experience to perform well both inside and outside the classroom.
3. What are your career goals?
I am working towards a career in academic librarianship, in the area of special or rare book collections.
4. What has been your most rewarding moment at the iSchool?
I chose the iSchool because it is located at the centre of a dynamic community of scholars and professionals in the field of information and in other disciplines like book history.
I have found a sense of belonging at the iSchool that I did not expect. I have connected with students and faculty in areas I did not think I would share common interests, such as Latin American Studies, Queer Studies, and Book History.
5. The most challenging?
The most challenging aspect of my experience as a student is to face constant arguments against the “future of libraries” and engage in discouraging discussions about the place of librarians in the present. I have, however, found my own voice in the process of sharing with others my views against these approaches.
6. What has been your favourite course and why?
INF2110H: Design and Evaluation of Information Literacy Programs has opened my eyes to a range of possibilities within the context of academic libraries. The overall course experience was positive, thought-provoking, and encouraging.
7. Have you been working since starting your studies?
Yes. I work part-time as a manager in retail, and I volunteer for a local library.
8. What about your social life?
I would say I have an active social life. I try to balance my social life with a busy schedule at school, work, family, and friends. I usually attend events such as film festivals, conferences, talks held at U of T, and I also spend some time every week browsing the bookshelves of the local bookshops.
9. What have you learned since starting the program that would have been useful to know beforehand?
In the past year, I have learned the value of integrating outside perspectives into the field of information studies, in order to formulate my own questions and answers about issues that are relevant to my personal and professional interests.
10. As a second year student, what advice would you give a first year student?
Explore the curriculum outside the faculty as an option to learn what other disciplines have to offer while, at the same time, you will have the opportunity to apply what your learn at the iSchool in other contexts.
11. How do you think you have changed since last year?
I am a new dad. My son was born early this year, bringing joy to many people who love him dearly. I recently won two important awards for my efforts in the field of information studies and book collecting. I think I have found my identity as a professional in the field of information studies in the last year, thanks to faculty members like Alan Galey, Keren Dali, and Sheril Hook, and students with different academic backgrounds and interests.
More on David:
David was recently featured in an iSchool news article for winning 2nd prize in the 3rd AbeBooks National Book Collecting Contest for Young Canadians Under 30 contest for his personal collection, “The Imaginary of Books: Homosexualities, Images, and Texts.”
– posted June 2012
