This assignment involves crafting a 1,000-1,200 word article on a pivotal trend affecting public libraries, ready for hypothetical submission to “Public Libraries” magazine. The task synthesizes topics covered throughout the semester, requiring critical analysis and professional writing skills to contribute meaningfully to the library profession. Students select a topic demonstrating its significance to public libraries through extensive research, supported by at least ten sources, including scholarly and popular literature. This exercise not only showcases students’ ability to engage with professional discourse but also enhances their research, writing, and critical thinking skills within the context of library and information science. 

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The primary Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) targeted by this assignment are:
SLO 3: Interpret and apply basic and applied research to improve their professional practice.
SLO 5: Integrate evolving technologies and theories that underpin their design, application, and use with library and information services.
SLO 7: Create a plan for continuous professional development and lifelong learning.