Kathryn Laurence Reflective Essay

Two and a half years ago I sat down at a desktop computer to write a paper outlining my reasons for applying to graduate school and what I hoped to gain from the experience. I wanted to learn about the philosophies and procedures of a library, the new innovative technologies that libraries utilize, and the best techniques for assisting library patrons. Little did I know that my time at Dominican University would fly by and I would acquire more knowledge and experience than I ever thought possible. The education and skills I have gained in this short time will guide me as I advocate for intellectual freedom, lifelong learning, and equitable access as a library and information science professional. There are many reasons which led me to pursue a degree in library and information sciences. In my undergraduate studies I planned to be a high school history teacher since I enjoyed working with children in an educational atmosphere. I realized this was not the profession for me once I started student teaching. I was distraught as I had worked three and a half years toward this goal and upon graduation did not know what to do. I took a job as a claim adjuster in order to pay college loans and take some time to decide what profession I wanted to pursue. I had no passion for insurance and I realized how much I missed helping others. I carefully considered my options and realized librarianship would be the perfect profession for me. Throughout my life I had spent a lot of time a numerous libraries from trips with my mother as a child, long nights at the university library, and outings to the local library as an adult for recreational purposes. I also had fond memories of librarians being extremely helpful and welcoming. In college, for example, I received great assistance from a librarian who taught me how to use microfiche when I needed primary sources for a history paper. I have never used this medium before and this librarian was patient and supportive as I learned how to handle this delicate material. I wanted to be like this librarian who was professional, clearly believed in

lifelong learning, and provided incredible service. Years later I would realize these qualities are part of the core values of librarianship. Consequently I decided to apply for library positions and after some time I was offered a position in the circulation department at the Park Ridge Public Library. This was one of the best opportunities I have ever been given. Within a few short weeks I knew the library is where I was meant to be; I enjoyed helping patrons and being in a building where information is accessible to anyone who asks. Shortly thereafter I researched programs from a variety of schools and applied to Dominican University. When I began my first semester at Dominican I was unsure which path to take as much of the coursework interested me. I realized quickly how much I enjoyed public librarianship both during my work hours at the Park Ridge Public Library and when studying the different types of libraries in classes. The core courses taught the fundamentals of librarianship such as confidentiality, access, and intellectual freedom. These values can be found in all libraries, but I wanted to uphold these ideals in a public library. My ePortfolio reflects my passion for public libraries as I have included artifacts from courses such as LIS 748: Collection Management and LIS 763: Readers Advisory; in both of these classes I completed coursework that one must master in order to successfully work in a public library. Book annotations are resources which provide access to information, and a collection management web resource is a professional tool which will enhance a librarians ability to select materials for his or her community. Many of the other courses and artifacts included in my ePortfolio demonstrate my desire to work in the childrens department. Courses such as LIS 721: Library Materials for Children and LIS 777: Issues of Access, Advocacy, and Policy in Youth Services have taught me that as a childrens librarian it is my responsibility to provide and protect every young persons right to seek out information and materials while at the library. These courses demonstrated to me that I can

introduce children to a wealth of stories and information that they may not receive otherwise. Being a childrens public librarian will be an incredible and challenging task to undertake. There are many amazing classes I have taken at Dominican and one has been particularly significant as it taught me about the practical elements of being a librarian. In the spring of 2013, I took LIS 723: Services for Children and Young Adults. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the development, promoting, and execution of library programs for young people in school and public libraries. Upon completion, I had created and presented five literature-based programs that could be used in a public library setting. I gained an immense amount of experience from this course such as knowing which books would be appropriate for a storytime to understanding what should be done for a destination program versus an occupation program for teens. One of the best assignments involved creating an actual program for the children of the Forest Park Public Library. Our class worked together as a group to design a drop-in program for El da de los nios/El da de los libros. The librarians at Forest Park wanted a program which incorporated diversity so we presented a puppet show, set up stations about the continents, and created bibliographies about books for each continent; the children could then check out these books from the library. This program allowed me to use the skills I had been working on all semester to deliver a meaningful, educational, and fun service for children. I learned that a lot of work goes into each library program to choose age appropriate materials. There are many ways to connect children with books, and any bibliography one creates should be well thought-out as it represents the collection as a whole. It is clear to me that librarians can provide the highest level for service for users through the hard work we complete for every program and collection. This was just one of many assignments that taught me what it takes to be a librarian.

One of the artifacts that I really enjoyed completing was for LIS 748: Collection Management. The website I created was meant to guide a new collection development librarian in a children services department. I felt this project was one of my best since it was a culmination of everything I had learned that semester. I learned the many different aspects that go into building and maintaining a collection; this project allowed me to take that knowledge and apply it to an actual community. Librarians have to understand what the public needs and wants so money is spent on materials and services that many will utilize. This showed me that librarians must be knowledgeable about the user population and frequently reassess their community for changes. Librarians can also create and design tools that will facilitate access to information for each other, not just patrons. In the future I plan to use this website as a jumping off point for my own collection development, and may use the format to create another website resource when I receive my first librarian position. The Pinterest board I created for LIS 804: Art in Picture Books is another meaningful artifact to me. This assignment was similar to what I have done many times before, but it had an innovative twist. I have written other book annotations during my educational career, but normally those were typed and submitted through a word document. For this task I chose twelve picture books which shared a common artistic component and wrote annotations for each; then I pinned these books to my Pinterest board. My professor could have assigned students to simply create a word document and submit it as many other papers are completed. Instead this assignment allowed me to realize that I should take every opportunity to create and share information in various ways to reach different people. Once I am a librarian at a public library, I will need to be innovative and connect patrons to books in any way I can. Instead of simply

having a bibliography handout at the childrens desk, I can share book recommendations through current and emerging technologies which can be fun and engaging for patrons. When reviewing my Dominican coursework I can see that my perspective of libraries and information centers has changed over time. I stated in my ePortfolio how my first main assignment in graduate school was given to me in LIS 701: Introduction to Library and Information Science. My presentation was focused on ALAs Intellectual Freedom Manual. Prior to this assignment I did not know the lengths librarians go to protect First Amendment rights or the extent that some people go to censor materials. This project opened up my eyes so I was more aware of one of the core values of librarianship. When evaluating my later assignments such as my proposed policy change for LIS 777: Issues of Access, Advocacy, and Policy in Youth Services, I recognized my perspective of libraries had grown. I knew libraries support every library users right to read and seek information, and this value had become second nature to me. This was no longer new information; instead it was knowledge that helped guide me in every presentation or paper I completed. I also began my graduate work worried about the state of libraries. I wondered what would happen as more and more people accessed information via the Internet and more books became electronic. However, I now realize that libraries are not going anywhere but instead they are in a state of change. Like many other professions and businesses, libraries are adapting to the changing society and modifying practices to better serve their communities. Librarians are also developing and delivering new ways to respond to information needs. The knowledge and experiences I gained while at Dominican University compelled me to apply for the Oak Park Public Librarys Storytime Outreach Internship in January 2014. Due to my education I felt I had a firm understanding of the purpose and process of a library storytime

coupled with a wide-ranging background of childrens literature. I was excited to use my skills in a practical setting and also learn from experienced librarians who had trained many graduate students before. I was offered the internship and was ecstatic to begin. During these past few months I have traveled to over twelve local daycares and schools where I have interacted with children from various backgrounds. I have learned firsthand the qualities that make a good storytime book and the importance of preparation in order to choose stories and activities that are age appropriate. This experience has also shown me the value of visiting those who might not be able to get to the library on a normal basis. Extending service to children who might not typically receive stories has been one of the most rewarding experiences during my graduate studies. Some of the children began to recognize my intern partner and me as they would shout with excitement that we were going to read stories. I feel extremely fortunate that I received this internship; I will always remember this experience as it guides me in my career. I have thoroughly enjoyed my studies at Dominican University. During this time I have learned how essential information is to society and the role libraries play in providing access to that information. I now better understand the fundamentals of intellectual freedom, inclusiveness, and service that will be part of my day-to-day operations as a librarian. I have gained knowledge from my professors who have much expertise to share, and also from my classmates as we discussed observations and experiences. Once I graduate I want to work in a public library as a childrens librarian so I can connect children with books and encourage children to find stories they will enjoy. I plan to create an environment where young people feel comfortable asking for my help and will know I will do everything in my power to help them get the materials or information they desire. My goal is to utilize the education I have received to provide

outstanding library service to every child, parent, teacher, and caregiver who walks into the youth services department.