I look forward to a career in librarianship guided by equity, collaboration, and transparency. Librarians have a responsibility to build collections and environments that benefit and include diverse populations. Championing equity in libraries includes continuously assessing and editing policies, guidelines, and practices to remove biases and barriers to marginalized people. As I learned throughout my diversity, equity, and inclusion-focused courses, I will defer to individuals as experts in their own experiences and seek out those willing to share their stories and perspectives. I will support and encourage community involvement in shaping and reshaping the library and seek guidance from trusted, equity-focused entities and organizations when representation is lacking.
As I learned throughout my information sciences education, I will take an active role in collaborating with my community members, connecting them with the information they seek, and participating in the learning process that they lead. By grounding my communication practices in transparency and respect for others, I will more easily be able to foster trusting relationships in the community. My partnerships with the community will be bolstered by my commitment to preserving their autonomy and respecting their needs, experiences, and knowledge. Engaging and collaborating with the community and facilitating knowledge growth in members includes maintaining a current understanding of their evolving needs, limitations, interests, and goals. My education, from information-seeking behavior to identifying and developing counterstories to community needs assessments, has provided me with the theoretical foundations and practical tools to make this a reality.
Further, my education has impressed upon me the symbiotic nature of the library and its community. Beyond mere service to the community, libraries and their employees are also parts of the community itself - not fully separate entities. This relationship makes it even more critical for me to maintain flexibility and a willingness to adapt; to continue to evolve as a community member and librarian to meet changing needs and elevate library services. To further support my adaptability, I will continue my education by learning from the community, my colleagues, and professional organizations. Taking on new projects, responsibilities, and collaborations will play equally important roles in my professional growth as making space for creativity and enjoyment, applying new knowledge to old projects, and improving practices based on changed perspectives. I will regularly check in with mentors, especially when feeling directionless or disconnected. To grow and refresh my passion for librarianship and information science, I will seek out inspiring experiences.