Approaching the end of my educational career at the San José State University’s (SJSU) School of Information program, I have nothing but feelings of overwhelming gratitude, relief, and a deep sense of accomplishment. The feelings are based on a culmination of the unbelievable amount of information I inculcated over six years and the inordinate investment of time, energy, and effort I dedicated to the program. Since I only took one course at a time, I strove to learn as much as possible about the content of every course. As a result, I can honestly say that the past six years have been an all-consuming effort to achieve my master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS).
When I first began the SJSU MLIS degree six years ago, every cell in my body and mind unilaterally objected to studying—especially for extended periods of time. It has been decades since I originally received my undergraduate BFA degree in Theatre Arts from UCLA. As a result, I had to alter my lifestyle and mindset to get used to the discipline, stamina, and concentration required to get through the SJSU master’s of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program. Although the studying process continued to be grueling, I somehow learned how to make the most of my time to learn the material taught in the courses, and resultantly articulate my thoughts in the assignments.
Fortunately, I found every single professor in the SJSU School of Information to be knowledgeable, skilled, and compassionate teachers. In long-distance learning, the only communication tools are reading and writing (and sometimes audio and verbal exchange in the “Collaborate” teleconferencing session). Although my participation in the SJSU MLIS program was all online, I believe I have had more contact and interaction with the professors than I would have in a traditional, in-person, lecture setting. Every single professor has been supportive, prompt in responding, and helpful in advising me with any questions or problems. I feel extremely blessed and fortunate to have had the superb professors I did throughout the SJSU, School of Information.
In addition, I also learned that there is a distinct form of academic reading and writing. Since I have not been in the academic world for quite some time, I had to learn how to write academically as fast as I possibly could. I accomplished it as though I was learning a foreign dialect or learning lines for an acting part. By mimicking (but using my own words), I learned the academic writing style so well that I could almost mirror and echo the scholarly articles provided for reading assignments.
In spite of the original shock and confusion of going back to school, I cannot think of a more challenging but rewarding experience. I did not know it was going to be so hard, but I learned more than I ever thought possible. In addition, I can honestly say that getting through the SJSU master’s of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree and the hard work really paid off, since the curriculum prepared me well to become a librarian.
Professional Growth Plan
Although I do not have a particular area of focus within the librarianship profession yet, I am interested in all areas including technological, administrative, reference, children’s, young adults, public services, senior services, archival, and cataloging. I believe I have received enough education in each of the areas mentioned-above to peak my interest and perhaps pursue the specialization if the opportunity arose.
Especially in this age of rapidly-changing technology, I would like to be a flexible librarian that can incorporate and execute the various competencies of librarianship. I believe this adaptability and ability to learn things quickly will serve me well in keeping up with the constantly-changing face of librarianship. Although I have worked in a public library for eight years and the environment seems to suit me well, I am also interested in becoming an academic librarian or school media specialist.
As stated in my “Professional Philosophy,” I hope to be a friendly, approachable, and expert librarian. Also, I will uphold the concept of intellectual freedom and resist any effort to censor any library materials. Additionally, I will respect the privacy of all patrons and not disclose any information about the patron’s borrowing habits or discussions in the library.
When I am at the reference desk, I will make sure to conduct a reference interview to meet the specific information needs of the patron. I will listen carefully to the patron and make sure they are finished with what they have to say before I interject as a librarian. I will provide the information requested by the patron regardless of my own values and beliefs about the subject, and I will be sure to keep my personal opinions and views out of the reference transaction.
In addition, I will take good care and continue to maintain the various physical and virtual library collections including the acquisition, mending, and weeding process. For instance, I learned that weeding depends on the library item’s condition, relevance, and circulation records. Also, as an information professional, I realize the importance of keeping physical and digital items up-to-date and relevant.
In an attempt to bridge the digital divide, I will help patrons with the computers and printing machines, as well as provide basic computer classes at the library. For information literacy instruction, I will teach students and patrons how to use the various databases, view online periodicals, and access job searches on the library’s website.
I will do my best to frequently put on excellent programming for patrons to enjoy, and use Photoshop or other image editing software to create lobby posters to promote the attendance. I will advocate for library events to be free of charge and that the auditorium will not be used for profit-making endeavors. At the same time, I will advocate for the value of the library to raise funds necessary to provide excellent service.
Unless there is an age limit, everyone is invited and welcome to attend the library events. I will not discriminate against anyone using the library or attending library events regardless of their race, age, gender, economic status, disability, sexual orientation, political views, or any other reason. From my perspective, everyone is entitled to information and I intend to provide equal access.
Also, I will evaluate the library’s demographic groups and services frequently, so the library can continue to provide the specific information needs of the targeted community. I believe the library is an important information hub and a place for community members to meet. Based on the community survey, I will discover who and where the non-users of the library are and conduct outreach so they know about the important services libraries provide.
Although the library is a warehouse of information, it is also a service industry. Just as in any other business, information professionals must provide excellent and courteous service in order to grow and thrive. I believe good service primarily manifests from an inner-willingness to help and serve. This is an important distinction to remember and an important quality to have as a librarian. Instead of rote and methodical reference transactions, I believe the librarian’s extent of positive attitude and willingness to help will keep the reference transactions new, invigorating, and fresh each time.
Finally, I believe in lifelong learning for myself and for others. As stated in the American Library Association’s (ALA) Code of Ethics, I believe in continuing to improve myself as an information professional as well as a person. Also, I will help and support my colleagues, and encourage anybody who is interested in pursuing the librarianship profession.
Professional Goal
My professional goal is to provide the best information service and library programming by incorporating what I have already learned from my previous profession. For example, one of my strengths is being able to speak in front of an audience of any size. Due to my ability to speak in public, I am able to host, introduce, and moderate speakers, authors, library events, children’s programs, and provide instruction at workshops. As a result, I believe I am able to put on innovative, creative, and educational programming suitable for audiences of all ages.
Additionally, I believe my personality is naturally suited to being a librarian. I am approachable, patient, and courteous, and patrons appear to feel comfortable talking to me. Intellectually, I am curious by nature, interested in almost everything, and have a desire to expand my knowledge at all times.
Most importantly, I specifically have extensive knowledge about the history of stage, theatre, film, as well as first-hand knowledge about most aspects of the entertainment business. As a result, I believe my specialized knowledge will be a beneficial service to a library with a large community of people who work in the entertainment business. In addition, I believe I will make intelligent, legitimate, and influential decisions about the acquisition and maintenance of documentaries, foreign, and feature films collections.
Also due to my background, I am able to specialize in Shakespeare, Greek Tragedies, Renaissance, Restoration, Theatre of the Absurd, and a myriad of other modern stage plays and musicals. Thus, I possess specialized and extensive knowledge about all aspects of the entertainment business that I would like to share and teach. Overall, I have knowledge of theatre history as well as what it takes to be a performer and I believe I will be an asset to many libraries.
ePortfolio
I enjoyed and learned so much from taking the ePortfolio course. During the last semester, creating the ePortfolio has helped me review and solidify in my mind all fourteen competencies of the librarianship profession. For example, if I happened to be weak in some areas of a particular competency, it became glaringly obvious while I was developing the ePortfolio. In order to fulfill the competency, I was forced to bridge the knowledge gap—until I had a firm grasp on each of the competencies. Due to the creation of the ePortfolio, each of the fourteen competencies has been firmly indoctrinated in my mind over the semester.
Overall, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn about a whole new discipline and for the faculty of the SJSU, School of Information for getting me ready to be an information professional. When I become a professional librarian, I will do my best to serve the information needs of the community by making the information materials as easily accessible, equitable, and beneficial as possible. Finally, I have nothing but good faith, helpful motives, and positive intentions as a professional librarian.