Personal Narrative

Introduction

This portfolio provides a document for each requirement (Student Learning Outcome (SLO)) and competency set forth by the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree program for the University of South Florida (USF)’s College of Arts and Sciences-School of Information (SI). These requirements of the MLIS degree program are based on the directives of the American Library Association (ALA).

The process used to create this portfolio required pairing past assignments with their respective course codes and explaining how these assignments fulfilled the SLO’s required by USF’s MLIS program. In addition to the SLOs, this portfolio contains supporting documentation pertaining to my co-curricular involvement. This co-curricular experience demonstrates my practical knowledge of librarianship and USF’s support of my future career as librarian. USF supported my career through their offering of a flexible course of study, which allowed me to continue my work as a full-time librarian at a law school.

MLIS Program Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)s are the core competencies, in other words, the skills, abilities, and knowledge which a graduate from USF’s MLIS program should know in order to work proficiently as a professional librarian. Below, I have described how I have met each of the core competencies required by USF’s MLIS program.

Demonstrating Leadership and Innovation is the first competency required for completion of USF’s MLIS program. This competency asks that students demonstrate that they are innovative, ethical, problem-solvers, able to lead and manage through communication, collaboration, and reflection. In Goal I of my portfolio, I demonstrate my ability to communicate, collaborate, and problem-solve with a group through my completion of a research proposal on an original topic for LIS 6271 Research Methods in Library and Information Science (core). Additionally, I illustrate an ability to effectively communicate in an innovative way through the completion of a virtual library exhibit on the personal collection of Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg for LIS 5937 Rare Books and Special Collections (elective). Furthermore, over the summer of 2023, I participated in professional and community engagement by interning with the Law Library of Congress’s Creative Digital Projects Internship, where I created blog articles and metadata highlighting their collection. I connected with the LLOC while attending a SOLIS lecture for my LIS 6472 Seminar in Special Libraries (elective). Finally, I demonstrate leadership and innovation in a diverse global environment through my compilation of a mock project proposal where I wrote a document advocating for a de-lamination project. This proposal was written from the vantage of a library director for LIS 6409 Introduction to Library Administration (core).

Knowledge of providing Sources and Services is the the second competency required for the completion of USF’s MLIS program. This competency asks students to understand the systems and technologies that facilitate the management and use of information resources to serve the diverse needs of users. In Goal II of my portfolio, I demonstrate an ability to analyze the diverse information needs of individuals and communities in my paper on the digital divide, which highlights how libraries are responding to this crisis. This paper was written for LIS 5020 Foundations of Library and Information Science (core). Furthermore, in LIS 6511 Collection Development (core), my group compiled a community needs assessment. This document demonstrates my ability to work with a team to evaluate and select print and digital information resources, as well as systems that meet user needs. Finally, in LIS 6603 Basic Information Sources and Services (core), I created a LibGuide using Springshare which highlighted a diverse range of resources on the subject of the artist Bob Ross. This LibGuide demonstrates my understanding of using diverse technology for inclusive information services.

Understanding correct Knowledge Representation is the third competency required for the completion of USF’s MLIS program. It requires students to be proficient in theory and the application of skills for knowledge representation in evolving technology environments. In Goal III of my portfolio, I showcase my ability to analyze, organize, and describe various formats of information objects. For example, in LIS 6514 Digital Libraries (core technology elective), I created a digital library with corresponding metadata for multiple collections. These collections were compiled using Omeka, a digital library software. Additionally, I demonstrate my ability to apply best practices for original cataloging in my paper for LIS 6711 Organization of Knowledge I (core), where I described the latest efforts of libraries for cataloging video games.

Proficiency of LIS Theory and Praxis is the fourth competency required for the completion of USF’s MLIS program. It requires students to have a critical grounding in theoretical perspectives that draw on research in LIS as well as other fields of knowledge that inform their professional practices, including research, organization, management, and access to information. In Goal IV of my portfolio, I describe applications of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in library and information science in a paper for LIS 6271 Research Methods in Library and Information Science (core), where I critique a Cambridge University qualitative and quantitative study on collection usage at the Squire Law Library. Additionally, in LIS 6271 Research Methods in Library and Information Science (core), my group and l identified opportunities for a study and developed plans for research in applied settings in LIS. We produced a collaborative research proposal which identified a gap in LIS literature on COVID-19 and the effectiveness of virtual library instruction.

In conclusion, I selected these artifacts because I believe that these individual works directly correlate with USF’s Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for the LIS program. They demonstrate my ability to lead and innovate through involvement in the LIS community and to create documents that advance the needs of libraries. Additionally, they show my ability to provide the right sources and services through technology, creating representative collections, and compiling research guides that facilitate the needs of the community. Furthermore, they illustrate my expertise with technology and knowledge representation through my creation of a digital library and metadata, wherein I correctly categorized all materials according to discipline standards. Finally, they prove my ability to collaborate with other librarians and contribute to the discipline of LIS.

Library Career

I knew early on as an undergraduate history major that I wanted to work with historical materials. This desire to work with manuscripts and rare books led me to librarianship.

A year after earning my BA, I began my first job working as a library associate in public services and archives at an academic library. After five years in the field, I decided to pursue my MLIS because I found interacting with intellectually curious readers and knowledgeable co-workers to be an amazingly enriching experience. When selecting a graduate program, I chose to pursue my library degree at USF because of its academic reputation in Florida. USF’s MLIS program has met my academic expectations and I feel prepared and excited to be a professional librarian in a new age of technological advancement.

The knowledge I gained in USF’s LIS program has already benefited my career as a librarian. For example, I have been able to better understand issues with our library system and how to create correct metadata for records. Additionally, interning with the Law Library of Congress has increased my awareness of the breath of their collection. In fact, I have recently recommended many LOC resources to our library’s patrons. Furthermore, creating a digital library has given me the confidence to perhaps start a future digital repository using Omeka software. Finally, collaborating with student colleagues on school projects has given me the opportunity to meet wonderful professionals and learn how the LIS discipline collaborates for resource and knowledge sharing.