This narrated presentation describes the exhibits and programming offered by a local museum and examines the organization’s real life strengths and challenges through analysis of financials and strategic plan.  In accordance with PLO1, this presentation translates principles like ethics, values, and communication skills into a deliverable – demonstrating my ability to apply what I know to benefit a parent organization.  Leadership in the information profession requires adaptability and proving your value-add for your organization/community, not just back room cataloging and traditional in-person reference, which is reflected in PLO3.  Similarly, the MLA core competency Leadership & Management emphasizes the importance of advocacy and promoting partnership through shared goals, both internal and external to the organization. 

This review paper evaluates the information needs of healthcare workers, utilizing a theoretical framework to identify gaps and propose solutions to better serve this particular population, in alignment with PLO1.  Identifying appropriate models such as the Sense-Making methodology developed by Dervin and ideas like the nested clinical librarianship model (Brettle, 2011) in the research which could be translated into workable solutions that address the needs of a specific user group compliments PLO2.  Additionally, building on existing evidence by joining real life applications in the workplace to particular practice models furthers research in the field overall.  The paper aligns with PLO3 by acknowledging barriers to service by information professionals in the clinical/healthcare context including time, lack of information fluency, and financial constraints.  It also highlights the need to be forward thinking about future roles for information professionals as partners in the research process to ensure data is secure as well as adherent to standards making it accessible and enduring in accordance with the Information Management competency as defined by MLA.

This is a detailed research proposal that seeks to study the information seeking behaviors of oncologists.  The paper demonstrates PLO1 applying knowledge of the research process and best practices regarding sampling, preserving anonymity, interviewing techniques, etc.  Because the proposal is built on a solid foundation of best practices, this is a meaningful proposal which could be used in everyday practice to generate information about users in your organization to better serve their needs.  On a macro level, research like this would further study in the field overall as well, broadening the evidence available to all information professionals.  In accordance with PLO2, the literature review required me to aggregate research and appraise it for content, applicability, and impact through literature review, also a core competency of MLA, Information Services.  Taking things a step further, applying the research process to user information behaviors to better understand how to tailor meaningful, enduring solutions aligns with both PLO5 and the Evidence Based Practice & Research competency from MLA.  A thorough understanding of research methods allows an information professional to better examine sources and determine the validity and strength of the data, therefore improving the quality of services provided.

As explained in the accompanying narrative, this user guide to registering for and using MyChart was created with the public library user in mind.  Creating adjuvant materials like this demonstrates PLO3, with information professionals exploring outside the box educational tools and roles that extend beyond traditional reference.  Skills like those gained in this course are still required, however curated resources and personalized content like this user guide enhance delivery of information for patrons.  The MLA core competency Instruction & Instructional Design also encourages information professionals to innovate and use appropriate technology to build instructional content.  In accordance with PLO5, I considered the context and likely user needs when creating this guide in choosing larger fonts and including an explanation of Wi-Fi security, since users who need instruction on MyChart may have lower technology literacy.

Written with parents of children recently diagnosed with ADHD in mind, this pathfinder collates numerous resources and suggestions for research on the topic.  This project illustrates how I leverage my reference skills to gather appropriate sources and then add value, equipping novice searchers and providing a gateway to better research for patrons.  This project also satisfies PLO5, as creation of such content considers and engages with user needs in context.  Similarly, including annotations explaining strengths and limitations of sources is in alignment with MLA core competency Information Services.  Simply handing a pile of articles or list of resources to a patron is inadequate service - this pathfinder provides more value due to synthesis and re-packaging of information to better serve the user.

This term paper explores the history of special libraries.  My ability to discuss and apply theories as a lens through which to explain and analyze the purpose and function of special libraries demonstrates PLO1.  Writing this paper also required me to parse the research to determine drivers of change in the special library setting and opportunities for development, in alignment with PLO2.  Satisfying PLO3, the paper examines the evolution of the information professional role in the special library and contributing factors in the environment spurring expansion.  Deep driving into the literature for this project helped me understand the complex relationships between user needs and operations and the importance of tailoring library service offerings and reporting measures to best advocate for resources in the special library context in accordance with PLO5.  Reflecting the MLA core competency Health Information Professionalism, seeing the big picture in this way and then proactively focusing on initiatives that speak directly to organizational goals is a significant piece of the special librarian’s role. 

This website is a research guide for local history and genealogy in Washington Co., PA and demonstrates PLO4.  I learned to locate and navigate both print and digital resources and databases, then produced this guide using what I learned.  The succinct summaries enable users to determine which systems or resources to use and successfully access them in order to meet their information needs.  Explaining the strengths and limitations of specific resources as well as organizing them into a cohesive, customized guide indicates synthesis of results in alignment with the MLA core competency Information Services.

These mock lesson plans concern two major components of Copyright: “Exceptions and Limitations” and “AI and Copyright”.  In accordance with both the MLA core competency Instruction & Instructional Design and PLO3, leaning into the educator role is essential for the modern information professional.  Identifying important ideas and creating targeted learning outcomes demonstrates my understanding of the copyright concepts learned in this course.  Aligning with PLO4 as well, considering the ramifications of technology in this space requires clear comprehension of how the copyright system works and impacting factors like digitization.  The MLA core competency Information Management underscores the importance of adhering to copyright regulations as an information professional.  This project showcases a combination of solid copyright knowledge, instructional design, and thought-provoking questions about the role of copyright in the future.