Reflecting on my journey through the Library and Information Studies program, I’ve found the ALA-AASL Standards to be instrumental in shaping my understanding and approach to librarianship. These standards have guided my academic and practical experiences, deepening my commitment to serving as an educator, advocate, and leader within the library community.  

Inquire and Engage: My exploration of these standards highlighted the librarian’s role as an educator and community connector. Through projects such as designing a curriculum-integrated library program, I’ve embraced the challenge of fostering inquiry and promoting engagement. This work not only refined my skills in curriculum development but also underscored the importance of librarians in nurturing critical thinking and lifelong learning.

Include and Collaborate: My academic journey was marked by a presentation on my experience at the Joint-Use Library in Virginia Beach, an initiative blending public and academic library services. This experience exemplified the Include standard by demonstrating how libraries can serve as inclusive spaces that reflect and welcome the diversity of their communities. Additionally, the collaboration inherent in this project showcased the vital role libraries play in partnering with different sectors to enrich community access to information and resources.

Explore and Curate: Creating an archives collection and enhancing virtual services during my internship were key projects that resonated with the Explore and Curate standards. These experiences taught me the significance of creating both physical and digital spaces that encourage exploration and discovery. They also emphasized the librarian’s responsibility to curate collections and resources that are accessible, relevant, and engaging for all users.

Professional Ethics: The examination of ethical dilemmas in librarianship, through a focused ethics paper, deepened my appreciation for the ALA-AASL standards related to Professional Ethics. Addressing complex ethical issues, from managing sensitive information requests to ensuring equitable access, has solidified my understanding of the ethical foundations of our profession. It has reinforced my commitment to principled service, intellectual freedom, and the importance of upholding the highest standards of integrity and respect in all professional interactions.

Through these experiences, I’ve come to view the ALA-AASL standards not as isolated concepts but as interconnected principles that form the bedrock of effective librarianship. My growth in the MLIS program has been a journey toward weaving these standards into a unified approach to my future role as a librarian—one characterized by inclusivity, engagement, and innovation. My e-portfolio, enriched with projects like strategic plans and community initiatives, stands as a testament to my dedication to these standards, positioning me as an educator, leader, and community builder poised to make a meaningful impact in the field of library and information science.

OpenAI. (2024). Image created using DALL·E. [Digital image]. OpenAI.