Final Reflections

As I’m wrapping up my first semester of my MLIS degree I looked back at all that I’ve gained. I’ve always been interested in technology and throughout this course I’ve learned just how much technology plays a role in the LIS profession. Librarians help others access and find information, and because technology keeps evolving this is a main resource in helping others find what they need. It is so important for librarians to stay up-to-date with current and new trends in order to properly and effectively serve their patrons.

I’ve also learned a lot about the Code of Ethics librarians are to follow. One of the assignments I completed this semester pertained to an ethics scenario. I thought this assignment was very beneficial in helping me learn about what is expected of the profession. For this assignment I looked at various sources and read about the Code of Ethics. There were statements that I had never thought about before in regards to access, privacy, and personal beliefs. I feel that I am a very empathetic person, so reading that librarians are to set aside their personal beliefs in order to do what is right professionally really stood out to me as something I need to work on. After reading various ethical scenarios, I found that it is very important for me to put my personal feelings and beliefs aside in order to do what is right for my patrons. This is something that I hadn’t previously thought about, but after completing the assignment I learned a lot about what is expected of me as a librarian.

There was a lot of talk about community outreach and engagements from our team blog assignment. This stood out to me because I work with one of the librarians at my public library. I researched a lot about the benefits of collaboration between school and public librarians and read about different programs that helped students excel in school. This made me think more about my position and how I can work to collaborate more with the public library. I want to see my students continue to grow throughout the summer and partnering with the public library can help this happen.

In thinking about my future I plan to continue working as a school media specialist. This is my first year in this position and I absolutely love it. I thoroughly enjoyed working with all of the students at my school and teaching them library and technology skills. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher since I was little and this is a job I would like to continue for some time. However, after researching different job postings I found some positions that were very intriguing that I hadn’t thought about before. I believe I will always want to do something associated with education, so working at a college to develop instructional technology programs was very interesting to me. I think this is something I could work up to after working as a media specialist. I would love to be on a decision making end of technology programs that would benefit student achievement.

I’ve learned a lot this semester about the LIS profession and I look forward to the next few years. I hope to develop an even deeper understanding of all that this profession encompasses and see where it leads me!

LIS Beliefs and Assumptions Revisited

My very first post talked about my initial assumptions and beliefs about the LIS profession. Looking back on this post I still agree with my original thoughts, but throughout my first course in this program I’ve learned that the library and information science profession encompasses much more than I originally thought. I still believe librarians are there to serve their patrons in a variety of ways. One major way librarians help others is by providing assistance in accessing information and providing materials and sources. Not only do librarians need to be able to help and serve patrons, they also need to stay up-to-date on current technology trends. Many patrons come into libraries to use the available technology and it is a necessity for librarians to be knowledgeable in any and all areas of technology offered and used in the library. This ties into my second belief about librarians being able to offer endless support. I had the opportunity to interview two librarians this semester and they definitely supported this belief. By keeping up with library and technology trends, librarians are able to offer this support to anyone who comes into the library. The last belief I posted was that librarians create a warm and inviting environment. I believe this is needed in order to make patrons feel welcome in the library. Libraries, however, are not just quiet places to read or look up information anymore. Many libraries have starting makerspaces in areas of the library, and these spaces offer opportunities for new learning experience and collaboration. Makerspaces are obviously going to be loud areas because people are working together on different programs to actively learn new things.

I’ve learned new things throughout this course from my classmates and assignments that have deepened my love for the profession. I love that libraries can connect to the community in order to benefit all people. Community outreach is an area that I didn’t think about much prior to this class, and I’ve learned how beneficial different programs can be. Some libraries have bookmobiles that travel to different parts of a community to offer resources. Public libraries can make a large impact on the community by offering different outreach programs. One area that I learned a lot about was the collaboration between public and school librarians. School libraries are not always present in schools, so the public libraries serve as their main library. It is so great to read and learn about different programs offered to students throughout and after the school year to help students build reading skills.

Overall, I still have the same beliefs about the LIS profession, but I believe my understanding has deepened. Librarians can offer so much to their patrons and community and I am very excited to continue my MLIS journey.

Job Analysis

For this post I looked at job postings relating to the LIS field. I found a few jobs that interested me and thought about what I would need to do in order to get there.

The first job posting I found that interested me was a Digital Library Programmer for the Michigan State University Libraries. I have always been interested in technology and this job focuses on creating and implementing technologies and systems to enhance the MSU library’s mission. The Digital Library Programmer would work as a part of a team along with other library staff members to develop and enhance current applications used in the libraries. There are many requirements needed in order to be qualified for this job:

• ·      MLIS degree
• ·      Understanding of emerging technologies
• ·      Experience using Java, Python or PHP
• ·      Database construction
• ·      Superior HTML skills
• ·      Exemplary communication skills (oral and written)
• ·      Flexibility
• ·      Ability to work in collaboration with diverse populations
• ·      Self-motivation in continued learned and professional development

I believe I possess many of these requirements, however there are some areas in which I need to work on in order to obtain a job such as this. After completion of my MLIS degree at Wayne State I will meet this first requirement for the job. Because I have always had an interest in technology I am constantly researching new and up in coming technologies. This also coincides with the last requirement because I am always finding ways to become more knowledgeable in the field of research and technology. I believe I am very self-motivated and am constantly looking for ways to learn new things. I also believe I have good communication skills and am able to effectively work with others. Some areas that I would need to work more on in order to work in this job would be with Java, Python, and PHP. I have had some experience using Java, but I do not think this is sufficient for what this job entails. Also, I am familiar with very basic HTML skills but again not enough. I would need to take classes or attend trainings on these things in order to feel confident in my skills.

The second job posting I found that was of interest was the Dean of University Libraries and Instructional Technologies at the University of Detroit Mercy. This position oversees two of the school’s libraries. In addition, the Dean of University Libraries and Instructional Technologies guides the Instructional Design Studio in coordinating and developing policies that coincide with the school’s online classes, helps faculty and student proficiency with educational technologies, and selects and promotes beneficial instructional technologies to the University’s IT department. This librarian is also in charge of designing a plan that encompasses excellence in academics, technology integration, teaching, digitization, and research. Qualifications for this job include:

• ·      MLIS degree
• ·      Seven+ years of experience in an academic library administrator position
• ·      Knowledge of emerging educational technology trends
• ·      Second master’s degree/doctorate
• ·      E-learning experience
• ·      Effective communication and management skills
• ·      Experience with personnel, budget, management of facilities, and academic bargaining environments
• ·      Cultivation of external funds
• ·      Understanding of online education requirements
• ·      Self-motivation for continuous learning

This job would take some time for me to be qualified. Currently, I do not have the experience required so I would need to work in an academic library. As of now I do not have the administration experience needed so this is something I would need to work towards. I would need to work up to such a high administrative position by managing smaller groups at first and then working my way up. Also, I’ve only worked with managing a budget for a short period of time and the budget was relatively small. I think this experience would come while I am working as an academic librarian. Currently I believe I possess a handful of the requirements for this job. I have a master’s degree in education technology and I think this would be very beneficial since a portion of this job requires implementing new and effective instructional technologies. As I previously mentioned, I am good at communicating with others and making my expectations, needs, etc. known and well as continuously learning and attending professional development sessions to stay up-to-date with current and new trends in relation to instructional technology.

The last job posting I found that I would be interested in was a Dean III, Learning Resources & Educational Technology at Santa Rosa Junior College. This is also an administrative position in charge of Library Services, Media Services, and Online Education. The job entails coordinating and administrating educational programs relating to liberal arts and sciences and vocational programs. The main responsibilities of this job require the dean to provide direction of technology integration and planning. Requirements for this job include:

• ·      MLIS degree
• ·      One year of leadership experience
• ·      Knowledge of collection development, public services, technical services, media materials and services, and information technologies
• ·      Knowledge of library and technology trends
• ·      Knowledge of best practices for online education
• ·      Understanding of state and federal laws and regulations
• ·      Management skills
• ·      Organizational skills
• ·      Communication skills
• ·      Ability to work effectively with diverse populations 

I believe I would bring many positive qualities to this job. Upon completion of my MLIS degree I will have the necessary knowledge for this job, highlighted in bullet points three through six. I feel that I already have very good organization and communication skills, as well as an understanding of working with diverse populations. As with the second job I talked about, I would need to gain experience in an academic library. This position does not require as much experience but I feel that working for a few years as an academic librarian would be beneficial in providing me the experience I need.

This post was definitely interesting because I’ve always wanted to be a classroom teacher. After switching jobs this year to a school media specialist I’ve realized that the library is a passion of mine. While the jobs I found and described are not teaching roles, they do play an important part of what is being taught and implemented at the college level. This isn’t something I thought I would be interested in before, but after learning more about libraries and the roles of librarians it is something I am considering for my future.

References

Dean III, Learning Resources & Educational Technology - ALA JobList (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2015, from http://joblist.ala.org/modules/jobseeker/Dean-III-Learning-Resources--Educational-Technology/28854.cfm

Dean of University Libraries and Instructional Technology - ALA JobList (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2015, from http://joblist.ala.org/modules/jobseeker/Dean-of-University-Libraries-and-Instructional-Technology/29096.cfm

Digital Library Programmer, Librarian I - ALA JobList (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2015, from http://joblist.ala.org/modules/jobseeker/Digital-Library-Programmer-Librarian-I/29329.cfm

Technology Sandbox

For this post I looked at different technology platforms and how they are and can be used in libraries. The first platform I looked at was a blog. This can be a great way for libraries to connect with the community because they are able to write about virtually anything. Community members are able to interact by commenting on blog posts and this is one effective way to get the community involved and connected to the library.

Next I looked into Flickr as a means of communication for libraries. I hadn’t thought about this platform for libraries before. This is a way for libraries to post pictures of collections, library rooms, events going on at the library and more. Flickr allows users to group pictures based on category and provide a short caption. This could be a nice way for patrons to get a look at the library. I’m not a huge fan of this platform because Flickr does not allow users to write a caption or explain a lot about the pictures. I don’t think this is the best site for libraries to use as a way to connect to the community.

Another platform I looked at in regards to libraries was Facebook. This is an extremely popular social media site with over a billion users. Libraries are making their presence known by having their own Facebook pages. Similar to blogging, Facebook is a way for libraries to share information, promote events and activities, connect to community members, and much more. Libraries can connect and network with a large population of people through Facebook. There is one downside to using social media sites. Libraries need to be careful about what is being posted to their page. If something inappropriate is posted or written this could greatly damage a library’s reputation.

The last platform I looked into was Twitter and microblogging. Similar to Facebook, Twitter allows users to post updates about events, share new information, connect with users, etc. but at a smaller scale. Twitter only lets users post a specific number of characters, so tweets need to be concise and to the point. Again, this is a great way for libraries to connect to the community and keep followers updated on events going on at the library. As with Facebook, libraries need to make sure posts are appropriate and relevant in order to maintain a positive reputation.

I think the two best resources libraries can use are Facebook and Twitter. These are two very popular social media websites, so I believe having a Facebook page and a Twitter account would allow libraries to reach a large population. Both sites allow users to post updates, pictures and videos. This is a nice way to keep the community informed of different events and activities happening at the library. They both also allow followers to engage in discussions and comment on different posts. Having a Facebook page and Twitter account would help connect the community and keep people updated on what is happening at the library.

I would be interested in maintaining a Twitter account for my library. I feel like this website is becoming more popular and could be beneficial for a library. I would be able to post pictures with captions of different things I want to highlight. I would be able to keep the community informed of a variety of things by posting multiple Tweets throughout the day and/or weeks. A wide range of age groups can use twitter, so this would be a nice way to keep any and all members of the community informed. I’ve been considering starting a Twitter page for my current library, but I’m not sure how beneficial it would be since I work in an elementary school. I’ve had many 5^th graders mention that they have Twitter accounts, but I feel like my account would be geared towards parents. I would be able to showcase what my students are learning in class so parents could be more involved.

Resources

23 Things UK. (n.d.). Retrieved April 17, 2015, from https://23thingsuk.wordpress.com/