My experience in the MLIS program at SJSU was a long self-exploration just as much as it was an exploration of the library and information science field. My journey through SLIS was also a ‘sneak preview’ of my future path, where I discovered my passions and developed my knowledge and skill base for my chosen vocation, a public librarian.
I once reflected that, “even when I’m having a horrible day, I find myself in service.” I am passionate about serving people and I have been my entire young adult life.
I did not have much experience working in libraries except a little volunteering at my old elementary school library during my first year in the program. Throughout my years in MLIS and especially in certain classes or during two internships while in the program, I gained invaluable experience and skills to help my future goals. I have also been working simultaneously for over three years at Linden Tree Books, a children’s bookstore in Los Altos. For two of those years I have worked as a bookseller and one as a manager, and this is why I see great potential in building working relations between public libraries and local independent bookstores.
My enthusiasm, my ability to learn and adapt quickly, and my imagination are all key parts of who I am and are my most clear strengths.
My professional growth plan
I aim to work diligently on my professional goals:
(1) To provide excellent service for all the publics around me, including careful and curated assistance to all identities and demographics. I will make presentations and create programs to serve everyone I can in the library. I especially like to organize periodic displays of recent good books in the collection with particular appeal to user subgroups, by age, gender, and ethnicity.
(2) To stay current with developments in technology and best practices through my own research as well as alert membership in public library associations. I plan to take occasional on-line classes, or night classes at local colleges, in order to keep up my skills in this regard.
(3) To evaluate the programs and service at the library where I work using OBPE and SWOT, perhaps every 3 or 4 years. I’ll discuss the results with my library colleagues, and then work to implement the changes and improvements that are called for.
(4) To explore the great potential in relationships between public libraries and local independent bookstores. As mentioned in Competency O, I see this relationship as improving community engagement and increasing circulation at both the library and sales at the local bookstore, through such means as special events, summer reading programs, and other shared objectives. I will connect with local bookstores and other pertinent community organizations to improve the library and provide the best service possible.
(5) I will also document my work towards these goals in a blog, a video blog or, if there is more general value in what I find, perhaps in a few podcasts.
Closing remarks
One chapter of my life is ending, but it is a happy occasion! That just means that another chapter is still being written. A chapter that will introduce new characters, possibly a new setting, a new plot, inevitably new conflicts and a number of potential plot twists. My life is an open book and by completing the program at SJSU I have opened up so many new pages. I’d like to thank all contributing authors to my life as a book project. You know who you are. You have made the chapter rich and fulfilling, and I have deeply enjoyed how the plot has developed to this point. I love and thank you all so much!!
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