Broadening Knowledge and Abilities: 8 Questions with Emily Rocha, MLIS '23 (Online)
iSCHOOL STUDENT PROFILE
Emily Rocha, MLIS '23, on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Image courtesy Emily Rocha, CC-BY-NC-ND.
Through the MLIS, I have been exposed to different perspectives and ideas which have broadened my knowledge and ability to be an effective information professional.
Emily Rocha, a Master of Arts in Library and Information Science and Archival Studies Graduate Certificate online student, is originally from the Northern Neck, Virginia. She earned her MLIS to switch careers, and recently began work with the National Park Service as an archivist.
What brought you to the University of Arizona to study your degree?
During the pandemic I was seeking a career change, and I had always been interested in libraries and archives. The online MLIS program at UArizona had a great selection of courses. At the time I was between housing situations, so the flexibility of the online program was also a draw.
What has been your MLIS specialty focus?
My focus has been on archives, and I am excited to apply what I have learned in my new career, which involves government records stewardship. I also enjoy learning about information literacy, especially with the recent explosion of artificial intelligence, and these are topics of interest to me that I plan to actively engage with post-graduation.
As part of LIS 504: Foundations of Library and Information Services, Emily Rocha interviewed National Park Service archivist Paul Rogers, creating this snapshot poster following their conversation. Image by Emily Rocha, CC-BY-NC-ND.
What do you like best about the Master of Arts in Library and Information Science?
I really like the variety of courses offered to fulfill the graduation requirements and the flexibility of being an online student. I also had a lot of fun being a graduate teaching assistant and learning about course instruction.
What has been your biggest challenge in graduate school, and how have you overcome that challenge?
My biggest challenge was time management once I started a full-time job, as well as coordinating on group projects while living in different time zones. I used various apps for communicating with my peers and lots of checklists to stay on task!
Tell us about your MLIS internship experience your career aspirations?
I was fortunate to be an intern in the Junior Fellows Program at the Library of Congress. It was amazing to work with the Library of Congress for the summer. I also got to delve into the world of academic librarianship during an internship with Arizona State University, where I had great mentors. I am excited to use my degree and certificate on my new career path working with government archives for the National Park Service.
Emily Rocha served as an intern in the Junior Fellows Program at the Library of Congress during her time as an online MLIS student. Photo of Library of Congress by Emily Rocha, CC-BY-NC-ND.
What advice do you have for prospective iSchool students?
If you are taking online courses, they require just as much attention as face-to-face courses. Try to make a schedule with time dedicated to coursework and keep a task list to help keep up with all the discussion boards and other deadlines.
Outside of school, what are your passions?
I really enjoy relaxing with my fiancé and dogs and reading historical or dystopian fiction. This past year I have also started gardening and was excited to produce a delicious watermelon.
What does the iSchool experience mean for you?
I have been exposed to different perspectives and ideas which have broadened my knowledge and ability to be an effective information professional. I have also experienced personal growth and obtained a skill set which helped me reach my goal of starting a career in the field of government archives.
Learn more about Emily Rocha at her ePortfolio, or explore the Master of Arts in Library and Information Science, offered on campus and online.