My experience in the MLIS program at Old Dominion University has been nothing short of amazing. As seen throughout my ePortfolio, I have learned and grown so much in the field of librarianship. I feel that I have truly achieved each of the Student Learning Outcomes required for this program.  Below is my reflection of my coursework and how I met the standards at Old Dominion University.

SLO #1: Create innovative responses to the needs and interests of diverse and global communities.

Libraries are put in place for everyone no matter their background. It is important to be responsive to the needs and interests of diverse and global communities. When I first read the part of this student learning outcome about “global communities”, I wondered how we respond to those across the world.  That is when I began thinking about how we interact with people from all over the world especially since the pandemic. Since many of the services and programs at my library are hybrid (virtual & in person), I have had the opportunity to reach so many different individuals.  Each of the assignments outlined in my portfolio reflect this in my opinion.  Through the Strategic Planning, Research Proposal, and my Grant Proposal assignment, I had to think critically and strategically about what the entire community needs all while being a voice for the underserved. The research proposal wasn’t geared towards one type of library but was meant to represent the global community.  My last two assignments included were the Juvenile Collection Plan and my Library of Things list. The collection plan was based on diversity and ensuring our materials reflected not just the Norfolk community but worldwide. My Library of Things assignment attempted the same thing because my goal was to provide a variety of items that could be useful for all patrons and that went beyond just books.

SLO #2: Demonstrate leadership attributes for a variety of information environments.

Leadership in libraries is necessary but I have learned through experience and coursework that not every boss is a leader. An effective leader motivates, encourages, communicates well, and has a vision for the team. I strive to and hope that one day I will be an effective leader. Throughout this program, I have had the opportunity to demonstrate some of these attributes through partnerships and needs assessments. I feel that my Grant Proposal for Library senior citizens and my Strategic Planning assignment both allowed me to achieve this goal.  I scoped out potential library partners such as Chair One Fitness, Norfolk Public Schools, and the mutual aid society to meet the needs of our public in both assignments. Writing grants is not an easy process, and I feel that the knowledge I gained during the assignment developed me even more as a leader. The Strategic Planning assignment was also beneficial and allowed me to get a taste of how leaders must think strategically to meet the goals and mission of the organization.

SLO #3: Interpret and apply basic and applied research to improve their professional practice.

Research is a major component of librarianship. I realized early on how important research was mainly because it was necessary for almost every assignment throughout this MLIS program. Each of the assignments included in my portfolio, has involved some type of research. The most research done was through my research proposal that I submitted about improving services to teens. I was able to refer to peer reviewed articles and journals on teen services to develop a proposal that included a methodology and literature review section. As I stated, I also had to conduct research for the other assignments such as when curating the Library of Things and the items for the collection plan. I conducted research to ensure that I was selecting the write materials for the collections. The Strategic Planning and Grant Proposal assignment gave me additional research practice when conducting a needs assessment to see what programs or services would benefit the community the most. Before beginning this MLIS program I will admit that research intimidated me, but I am grateful that I have now become more confident which will come in handy in any library related career that I go in to.

SLO #4: Access, synthesize, and evaluate information to assist information seekers.

Accessing and evaluating information is another important part of librarianship. One of the goals of a librarian is to find and access information for our patrons. When creating the plan for the Juvenile biography, nonfiction, and technology collection, I had the information seekers or patrons in mind. I evaluated the collection to see what areas needed improvement so that our juvenile patrons and their families would have access to the materials and technology that they require. The research proposal that I completed on teen services also required to me to evaluate and access information to better assist our teen patrons. Teen library patronage had dropped in my neighborhood library which prompted me to want to evaluate what is being provided so that their needs would be met. Every patron that comes into the library should be able to find what they are looking for which is why this is such an important part of a librarian’s job.

SLO #5: Integrate evolving technologies and theories that underpin their design, application, and use with library and information services.

Technology in a library is crucial with the changing economy and serves as a way to connect with patrons. The integration of technology is seen through almost every on of the assignments I included in my portfolio. It was even integrated when drafting my grant proposal for the services for seniors because I added that libraries should add technology training for all ages especially since libraries support lifelong learning. Upgraded technology including digital signage and computers was discussed when coming up with a collection plan for the juvenile department as well.  Technology, space, and theories that support it were at the forefront for my research proposal because up to date technology and programs is what will bring teens into the library. I also integrated technology when curating the items such as chromebooks, projectors, and digital cameras, to include in a Library of Things for Slover Library. With the frequent upgrades and changes in technologies, I know that I will likely be integrating more of it throughout my career.

SLO #6: Analyze current and historical trends to forecast future directions of the library and information field.

My mother told me during childhood that to know where you’re going, you have to know where you come from, and I couldn’t agree more. Historical trends are important when forecasting current and future directions. History can teach us so many things and show us how to improve and make things better for the community. When putting together my Juvenile Collection Plan, I had to look back at circulation and technology history to put together my collection plan. The Research Proposal assignment required me to look at historical, current, and future trends in teen services in order to figure out what type of services, programs, and resources to offer. Historical trends were also considered when completing the Strategic Plan assignment. I looked at what the City of Norfolk outlined in their strategic plan and compared it to what was currently being provided in libraries. This in turn allowed me to come up with the idea for implement a food and personal hygiene pantry. Through this MLIS program, I now feel more confident researching and comparing trends to improve the library and overall community.

SLO #7: Create a plan for continuous professional development and lifelong learning.

Continuous growth and lifelong learning are a part of my mission as a future librarian.  As Ranganathan’s 5^th law states, “a library is a growing organism” (Rubin & Rubin, 2020). Libraries should be promoting lifelong learning to all patrons. I feel that library collections, programs, patrons, and staff should be growing in number and professionally.  My Grant Proposal assignment allowed me to support lifelong learning by providing services and programs to seniors who may not be able to come into the library. Seniors should not be underserved and should be able to continuously learn as well. My research proposal also supported lifelong learning because I discussed how teenagers become an afterthought since some libraries only focus on kids from birth to age 12. Teens definitely should be served because they will eventually be adults. We want them to love the library so that they will be a lifelong learner and user of the space.

References:

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