“IN TENEBRIS LUX (In darkness light).”
L.
Understand the nature of research,
research methods and research findings; retrieve, evaluate and
synthesize scholarly and professional literature for informed
decision-making by specific client groups.
Library 285, Research Methods, introduced me to the
fundamental principles of research. Librarians have an important role to
play in every library. Keeping current on new information and
technologies can prove challenging. A librarian has to be capable to
searching and synthesizing information. There is an array of scholarly
information present in the information world and most information needs
to be evaluated for relevance and accuracy. Having the skills to create a
research proposal on an unknown topic or an overly researched topic is
important in helping a librarian improve library services and programs.
Without research, it would be hard for the library field to continue to
change and grow.
Two types of sources can be used when doing research: primary
and secondary. You hear primary sources often in English and History
classes, when referring to a source of information. Primary sources
represent first hand information created by the source you receive the
information from, such as letters, journal entries of books. Secondary
sources are articles and books that are based on the information and
research from primary sources. Information professionals use both
sources when doing research. There is value in both types of sources and
when used together they can help support one another.
Visiting the library and searching through books is a great
way to create a foundation for a research paper or proposal. Facts can
be taken from a primary source and elaborated on through research of
secondary sources. Once the researcher has a question in mind secondary
and primary sources can help answer the most difficult of questions.
In Library 285 I had to create a research proposal with a
group (Library 285 Proposal). My group and I chose to focus on webpage
curriculum in High Schools. The proposal was created in multiple parts. A
collection of journal articles related to our topic was found using
numerous search strategies and materials. Once the articles were found
we created a list of important criteria that we wanted to cover in the
actual paper. Using this criteria we created a literature review using
the articles that most accurately met our criteria. The literature
review was included in the final proposal to give the reader an overview
of the information that was available.
The second part of the proposal included a background on the
high school and how the curriculum was being presented to the students
and the teachers. A purpose and rationale explained why the paper was
being written. We felt that technology needed to be utilized in
libraries in conjunction with the classroom. The method explained
information on the participants as well as how the data would be
collected. The overall proposal combined all of these areas to create a
basis for a large research paper.
References
Library of Congress (2006). On These Walls. Retrieved July 20, 2011 from http://www.loc.gov/loc/walls/
Evidence: Libr 285: Research Proposal
Showing posts with label competency o. Show all posts
Showing posts with label competency o. Show all posts
Thursday, March 20, 2014
COMPETENCY M
“BENEATH THE RULE OF MEN ENTIRELY GREAT,
THE PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD.”-Edward Bulwer-Lytton
M.
Demonstrate oral and written communication skills necessary for group work, collaborations and professional level presentations.
Many of the classes I took while in the SLIS program emphasized the importance of group collaborations. Although all my coursework was done online, I had many interactions with groups through various forms of technology. Elluminate was used frequently in every class to allow classmates to discuss coursework and professors to answer questions orally instead of just through email and discussion boards. I was concerned when starting the SLIS program that I would miss out on meeting fellow students and forming lasting professional relationships. However, group work in multiple classes has allowed me to form bonds and to collaborate with many students from all over the country.
For Library 204, Information Organizations and Management, I collaborated with a group on a strategic plan (Library 204 Strategic). Using email, Elluminate, GoogleDocs and Meebo I was able to communicate my ideas to the group and to share in discussions based on our mutual work. To finalize our project we created a PowerPoint presentation that was presented to the class during an Elluminate session, every group member spoke for a few minutes while sharing the PowerPoint slides with the class.
In Library 210, Reference and Information Services, I created a group wiki for the first time (Library 210 Wiki). The wiki was difficult for me to understand at first, however one group member had a lot of experience using wiki's for work and he set up a training session for our group using Elluminate. After the group learned how to build a wiki we divided up the assignment and each worked on our own piece. Using a GoogleDoc we complied all our information and discussed it once again using Elluminate. A Meebo chat was organized between our group members which allowed us to finalize our project.
Another group collaboration was a wiki for Library 263, Materials for Ages 5-8 (Library 263 Wiki). I had previous experience creating a wiki in Library 210, I was able to coach a few of my group members who had no previous experience. My group chose to use email and GoogleDocs to share our information. Each week we would submit our progress to the GoogleDoc and then email our opinions to each other. This was a slow process that created a few problems when group members were late or did not respond. A few days before our wiki was due we set up an Elluminate session to work out any kinks in the project as a group, which led to a successful final project.
References
Library of Congress (2006). On These Walls. Retrieved July 20, 2011 from http://www.loc.gov/loc/walls/
Evidence:
Libr 204 Strategic Plan Powerpoint
THE PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD.”-Edward Bulwer-Lytton
M.
Demonstrate oral and written communication skills necessary for group work, collaborations and professional level presentations.
Many of the classes I took while in the SLIS program emphasized the importance of group collaborations. Although all my coursework was done online, I had many interactions with groups through various forms of technology. Elluminate was used frequently in every class to allow classmates to discuss coursework and professors to answer questions orally instead of just through email and discussion boards. I was concerned when starting the SLIS program that I would miss out on meeting fellow students and forming lasting professional relationships. However, group work in multiple classes has allowed me to form bonds and to collaborate with many students from all over the country.
For Library 204, Information Organizations and Management, I collaborated with a group on a strategic plan (Library 204 Strategic). Using email, Elluminate, GoogleDocs and Meebo I was able to communicate my ideas to the group and to share in discussions based on our mutual work. To finalize our project we created a PowerPoint presentation that was presented to the class during an Elluminate session, every group member spoke for a few minutes while sharing the PowerPoint slides with the class.
In Library 210, Reference and Information Services, I created a group wiki for the first time (Library 210 Wiki). The wiki was difficult for me to understand at first, however one group member had a lot of experience using wiki's for work and he set up a training session for our group using Elluminate. After the group learned how to build a wiki we divided up the assignment and each worked on our own piece. Using a GoogleDoc we complied all our information and discussed it once again using Elluminate. A Meebo chat was organized between our group members which allowed us to finalize our project.
Another group collaboration was a wiki for Library 263, Materials for Ages 5-8 (Library 263 Wiki). I had previous experience creating a wiki in Library 210, I was able to coach a few of my group members who had no previous experience. My group chose to use email and GoogleDocs to share our information. Each week we would submit our progress to the GoogleDoc and then email our opinions to each other. This was a slow process that created a few problems when group members were late or did not respond. A few days before our wiki was due we set up an Elluminate session to work out any kinks in the project as a group, which led to a successful final project.
References
Library of Congress (2006). On These Walls. Retrieved July 20, 2011 from http://www.loc.gov/loc/walls/
Evidence:
Libr 204 Strategic Plan Powerpoint
COMPETENCY O
“THE NOBLEST MOTIVE IS THE PUBLIC GOOD.” –Virgil
O.
Contribute to the cultural, economic, educational and social well-being of our communities.
Continuously throughout my experience in the MLIS program, the ALA Code of Ethics has been referred to as the basis that a librarian should build their career on. I have adopted and manipulated the Code of Ethics to create and define my own professional philosophy.
I. The ALA Code of Ethics states: “We provide the highest level of service to all library users…” The key to creating a useful, relaxing, and productive environment for library patrons is by providing good service. A library can be architecturally beautiful, have an abundance of books and computers yet if a patron cannot find the item they are searching for the library becomes practically useless. I believe that service is important in whichever career path you choose and it is my goal to always strive to provide great service to my patrons. I have had experience working in a low-income area and I have seen the impact the library can have on patrons with little access outside the library to technology and books. Providing access to materials specific to the cultural and economic needs of the community is important when providing good service. The library needs to continue to meet the needs of the patron and I plan on continuously reaching out to the public to insure their service needs are being met.
II. Intellectual Freedom: As part of the ALA Code of Ethics, intellectual freedom and resistance to censorship play a strong roll in most libraries. I whole-heartedly believe in intellectual freedom and I feel censoring books only inhibits learning and the expression of beliefs. I grew up in America believing in freedom of speech and I will do whatever is in my power to continue this freedom and to fight off efforts of censorship.
III. Right to Privacy: Maintaining the patrons right to privacy and confidentiality is a part of the ALA Code of Ethics. I have had first hand experience in my current position with this issue. I have explained to patrons who are concerned that their information is secure and will not be shared outside the library. It is important that the library staff allow patrons to feel safe and comfortable asking for help seeking out information they need without being judged or ridiculed. Patrons should feel comfortable checking out any book of their choice without fear or embarrassment from the staff.
IV. Treat Coworkers with Respect: The ALA Code of Ethics states: “We treat coworkers and other colleagues with respect, fairness, and good faith…” As in any job treating coworkers respectfully is a necessity to creating an enjoyable and growing work environment. Training together and sharing responsibilities will help to create a mutual understanding between employees. Everyone should be allowed to express and share their uniqueness while receiving understanding and respect. I hope to foster strong relationships that will continue to grow and create an enjoyable work place.
V. Strive for Excellence: Continuous growth is a necessity in the library field. Technology is forever changing and as information professionals we need to be on top of our field to successfully allow our patrons to succeed. I plan on continuing my education, joining professional groups and attending conferences to allow myself to grow and strive for excellence in my field. Taking from my experience in Library 261a, Programming for Young Adults, I will create training programs and motivate my colleagues and staff to continue their training so we can all succeed together (Library 261a Staff). Using the new knowledge I will gain from my education I will create and update educational programs for the patrons.
The needs of the community are very important to me. I have been participating in a Homeword Bound program through the Castro Valley Public Library, which matches elderly homebound patrons with volunteers. The volunteer brings books to the patron’s house to allow the patron to continue reading. Through my education and research I have found many different programs that help meet the needs of the community, such as the Booklegger program through the Pleasanton Library which provides training for volunteers to visit elementary schools to read to students. I plan on implementing some of these programs in my future career as a librarian to continue reaching out to the public.
By following these guidelines I hope to create and maintain a successful career as a library professional.
American Library Association (2011). Code of Ethics. Retrieved July 20, 2011 from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/proethics/codeofethics/codeethics.cfm
Library of Congress (2006). On These Walls. Retrieved July 20, 2011 from http://www.loc.gov/loc/walls/
Pleasanton Library (2011). Booklegger Program. Retrieved September 11, 2011 from http://www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/services/library/volunteer-opportunities.html
Castro Valley Public Library (2011). Homeword Bound. Retrieved September 11, 2011 from http://guides.aclibrary.org/senior?topic=SeniorServices&cat=SeniorServices
O.
Contribute to the cultural, economic, educational and social well-being of our communities.
Continuously throughout my experience in the MLIS program, the ALA Code of Ethics has been referred to as the basis that a librarian should build their career on. I have adopted and manipulated the Code of Ethics to create and define my own professional philosophy.
I. The ALA Code of Ethics states: “We provide the highest level of service to all library users…” The key to creating a useful, relaxing, and productive environment for library patrons is by providing good service. A library can be architecturally beautiful, have an abundance of books and computers yet if a patron cannot find the item they are searching for the library becomes practically useless. I believe that service is important in whichever career path you choose and it is my goal to always strive to provide great service to my patrons. I have had experience working in a low-income area and I have seen the impact the library can have on patrons with little access outside the library to technology and books. Providing access to materials specific to the cultural and economic needs of the community is important when providing good service. The library needs to continue to meet the needs of the patron and I plan on continuously reaching out to the public to insure their service needs are being met.
II. Intellectual Freedom: As part of the ALA Code of Ethics, intellectual freedom and resistance to censorship play a strong roll in most libraries. I whole-heartedly believe in intellectual freedom and I feel censoring books only inhibits learning and the expression of beliefs. I grew up in America believing in freedom of speech and I will do whatever is in my power to continue this freedom and to fight off efforts of censorship.
III. Right to Privacy: Maintaining the patrons right to privacy and confidentiality is a part of the ALA Code of Ethics. I have had first hand experience in my current position with this issue. I have explained to patrons who are concerned that their information is secure and will not be shared outside the library. It is important that the library staff allow patrons to feel safe and comfortable asking for help seeking out information they need without being judged or ridiculed. Patrons should feel comfortable checking out any book of their choice without fear or embarrassment from the staff.
IV. Treat Coworkers with Respect: The ALA Code of Ethics states: “We treat coworkers and other colleagues with respect, fairness, and good faith…” As in any job treating coworkers respectfully is a necessity to creating an enjoyable and growing work environment. Training together and sharing responsibilities will help to create a mutual understanding between employees. Everyone should be allowed to express and share their uniqueness while receiving understanding and respect. I hope to foster strong relationships that will continue to grow and create an enjoyable work place.
V. Strive for Excellence: Continuous growth is a necessity in the library field. Technology is forever changing and as information professionals we need to be on top of our field to successfully allow our patrons to succeed. I plan on continuing my education, joining professional groups and attending conferences to allow myself to grow and strive for excellence in my field. Taking from my experience in Library 261a, Programming for Young Adults, I will create training programs and motivate my colleagues and staff to continue their training so we can all succeed together (Library 261a Staff). Using the new knowledge I will gain from my education I will create and update educational programs for the patrons.
The needs of the community are very important to me. I have been participating in a Homeword Bound program through the Castro Valley Public Library, which matches elderly homebound patrons with volunteers. The volunteer brings books to the patron’s house to allow the patron to continue reading. Through my education and research I have found many different programs that help meet the needs of the community, such as the Booklegger program through the Pleasanton Library which provides training for volunteers to visit elementary schools to read to students. I plan on implementing some of these programs in my future career as a librarian to continue reaching out to the public.
By following these guidelines I hope to create and maintain a successful career as a library professional.
References
American Library Association (2011). Code of Ethics. Retrieved July 20, 2011 from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/proethics/codeofethics/codeethics.cfm
Library of Congress (2006). On These Walls. Retrieved July 20, 2011 from http://www.loc.gov/loc/walls/
Pleasanton Library (2011). Booklegger Program. Retrieved September 11, 2011 from http://www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/services/library/volunteer-opportunities.html
Castro Valley Public Library (2011). Homeword Bound. Retrieved September 11, 2011 from http://guides.aclibrary.org/senior?topic=SeniorServices&cat=SeniorServices
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