GTA = Great Teaching Adventure!

Abstract

We’re all familiar with the catch-22 of trying to embark on a new career—it’s often difficult to land a job without having experience, but there’s no way to get experience without having a job. One institution’s effort to beat this no-win scenario is outlined in the following column. Through a partnership between the libraries and the School of Library and Information Management (SLIM) at Emporia State University, graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) are now able to gain practical experience, learn first hand about the evolving academic library environment, and make real professional contributions before they graduate, thereby giving them a leg up as they seek a career foothold once the MLS is in hand. Coupled with coursework, the GTA experience allows them to put theory into practice and provides a golden opportunity to help manage successful career development.
—Editor