Every course has emphasized the importance of community for the duration of my time in the MLIS program at Old Dominion University. Whether I was performing environmental scans of my community, creating lessons and programs for underserved students, or writing grant proposals, it was evident what my priority as a librarian would be.

I believe that the foundation of every school is the library, and at the heart is the librarian. School librarians promote reading and literacy in all formats to encourage students to become lifelong 21st-century learners. As a librarian, I am responsible for reaching out to my community to determine tools and services that will best serve them. Libraries need guidance from the community they serve, which translates into attaining knowledge and experience through a diverse audience of administrators, teachers, and students to best support the needs of all learners. Using their knowledge together, librarians can develop an equitable and inclusive program that reflects the needs of their patrons and to ensure students reach their academic and personal goals.

To meet the needs of my community as a librarian, I believe in providing a safe and welcoming “third” space for my students by ensuring the collection and atmosphere reflect their interests, academic objectives, and identity. I believe the collection should serve as a mirror, window, and sliding glass door that allows each learner to see themselves reflected in the text and also comprehend the experiences of others (Bishop, 1990). In addition, I will serve my students, teachers, and administrators as a guide to access both print and digital resources to inspire students to investigate new and ambitious ideas that encourage creative and critical thinking. 

Through my coursework, I have developed skills and knowledge that will support me as a librarian. I have learned the importance of AASL’s National School Library Standards: Inquire, Include, Collaborate, Curate, Explore, and Engage my community (Rubin & Rubin, 2020, p. 123). And have developed the skills and knowledge to push me toward success by addressing knowledge gaps and developing comprehensive and authentic knowledge products to accomplish this. Think critically to solve problems and encourage my community to do the same. Evaluating and sharing accurate, diverse, and knowledgeable resources. To engage students in complex thinking and ideas and to provide ethical and responsible resources that support the curriculum and student interests (American Library Association, 2018). 

I’ve learned about professional organizations and the importance of staying informed of current developments and future trends in library science, technology, and education. Seeking out professional growth opportunities to better serve all learners in my community. And to explore examples of successful library programs and implement specific components to improve my program to enhance student achievement. 

In my professional practice, I believe the importance of upholding the principles of intellectual freedom, protecting user privacy and confidentiality, and making all information resources in all formats readily accessible to library users (Rubin & Rubin, 2020, p. 359). As a school librarian, I must constantly fight for social justice and advocate for all learners, especially those historically underserved groups like BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and learners with disabilities. working cooperatively with students, teachers, and administrators, my school community will discover that the library is a safe and welcoming place for all, equipped with essential resources and materials for learning and instruction. 

The MLIS graduate program at ODU has expanded my knowledge as a student, a professional, and a person. I have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to best support my community and the drive to continue learning and growing as a librarian. 

References

American Association of School Librarians. (2018). National school library standards for learners, school librarians, and school libraries. ALA Editions. 

Bishop, R. S. (1990). Mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Perspectives, 6(3), ix-xi. https://scenicregional.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Mirrors-Windows-and-Sliding-Glass-Doors.pdf

Moreno, Stephanie (2016). PopLit. [Photograph]. https://yhs.apsva.us/library/

Rubin, R. E. and Rubin, R. G. (2020). Foundations of library and information science (5th ed.). ALA Neal-Schuman.