The goal of ODU’s MLIS program is for students to meet the following seven Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs). I believe I have done this effectively in the following ways.
1. Create innovative responses to the needs and interests of diverse and global communities.
A public library is only as good as the services it provides to the community around it. That means being inclusive and offering equal access to everyone who may need it, offering services that anyone can learn from, or even simply providing sources of entertainment. I demonstrated this SLO in my Impact Project by creating events at my library designed to meet the interests of teens in my area as well as promote a love for reading. I demonstrated this SLO in my Final Research Proposal in a similar way by proposing a study designed to research ways to make public libraries appeal more to teens. I also demonstrated this SLO in my article Fandom Momentum, where I talked about how fandom related events are becoming a popular and effective way of meeting the interests of teens and young adult patrons.
2. Demonstrate leadership attributes for a variety of information environments.
As a librarian, you will have to work with a team and be able to make important decisions as a leader, with the betterment of the library, your team, and the community in mind. I demonstrated this SLO in my Impact Project by organizing and executing several new programs at my library as well as working with a team to complete other tasks as needed. I demonstrated this SLO in my Final Research Proposal by taking on a hypothetical leadership role as a librarian conducting a research study about a problem affecting public libraries. Lastly, I demonstrated this SLO in my Discussion Facilitation by leading the class’s discussion on collections in academic libraries with my partner Evan by compiling resources in an annotated bibliography, asking questions, and prompting further discussion with my classmates.
3. Interpret and apply basic and applied research to improve their professional practice.
The level of knowledge a librarian has is meant to be ever growing in the pursuit of knowledge and helping those around them and in the community they serve. I demonstrated this SLO in my Impact Project by conducting research about the community my library serves and assessing their needs. I demonstrated this SLO in my librarian interview by seeking knowledge and advice from a fellow librarian about ways to improve my professional practice. I demonstrated this SLO in my Final Research Proposal by researching as much as possible about the problem I wanted to solve and propose a way to solve it. I also conducted research for my article, Fandom Momentum, about how libraries have been utilizing the fandom trend to reach more teen and young adult patrons. Finally I demonstrated this SLO in my Discussion Facilitation by researching and compiling resources for my classmates on collections in academic libraries.
4. Access, synthesize, and evaluate information to assist information seekers.
A librarian should be able to analyze information they find and be able to evaluate whether it is accurate, if it is appropriate for the needs of the library, and present it to the patrons of the library in a way in which they are able to understand it easily.I demonstrated this SLO in my Final Research Proposal by compiling resources about what teens want from their public library and how librarians can use this information to attract more patrons to their library. I demonstrated this SLO in my article Fandom Momentum by synthesizing information about various ways libraries have participated in the fandom trend. I demonstrated this SLO in my LibGuide by compiling and organizing information for ODU students interested in learning about Italian Renaissance painters. I demonstrated this SLO in my Discussion Facilitation by compiling information on collections in academic libraries for my classmates to learn from and respond to in their discussion posts.
5. Integrate evolving technologies and theories that underpin their design, application, and use with library and information services.
As time passes, technologies available to the library are improving and changing. The librarian’s goal is to reasonably keep up with this technology to be able to provide assistance to their own needs and the needs of the community. The librarian should also make sure to thoroughly understand the technology they have, so as to be able to teach others to use it as necessary. I demonstrated this SLO in my Final Research Proposal by integrating evolving theories about library practice into my proposal. I also integrated evolving theories in libraries in my article Fandom Momentum. I utilized technology in my LibGuide for students by creating an online pathfinder with curated resources for patrons to use for self guided research. Finally, I curated resources online for my classmates for the Discussion Facilitation about collections and evolving theories about how collections in academic libraries should evolve.
6. Analyze current and historical trends to forecast future directions of the library and information field.
A librarian should be able to notice trends and respond through the use of promotions and events, as well as any sort of technologies that may be becoming relevant at the time. I demonstrated this SLO in my Librarian Interview by discussing with a practicing librarian ways the library has changed in the past years due to Covid and how it may evolve in the future. I also demonstrated this SLO in my article Fandom Momentum and my Final Research Proposal by analyzing current trends in libraries and how they are affecting libraries and their patrons.
7. Create a plan for continuous professional development and lifelong learning.
As a librarian, one should always be looking to improve their knowledge and capabilities in order to keep up with trends, knowledge and technologies that may come about in the future. To do this will allow them to always be of help to their team and the community around them. I demonstrated this SLO in my Impact Project by discussing with my supervisors at the library I interned at how I can continue to become a better librarian and serve my community. I demonstrated this SLO in my Librarian Interview in a similar manner by asking for advice on how I can improve my practice. Lastly, I demonstrated this SLO in my Final Research Proposal by planning a way to improve a specific problem public libraries are facing.
