Libraries have played such a significant role in my life that I am happy to have the opportunity to give back. I enjoy helping others find the information they need, whether that be finding the next book to read or learning how to use technology. I find library work to be a supremely rewarding experience. I am happy to have found a profession that fulfills me. The MLIS program taught me so many valuable skills that will help me succeed in my future career. I chose the public librarianship pathway because I want to help people from all walks of life. I took a variety of electives that would help me in this career, such as Beginning Cataloging and Classification, Collection Management, Reference and Information Services, Programs and Services for Children, Programs and Services for Young Adults, Library Services and Tools for the Digital Age, Issues in Public Libraries, and Library Services for Racially and Ethnically Diverse Communities. I am the most confident in Competencies A, B, C, F, G, H and J.
I am the only child in my immediate family to graduate from college. Finishing graduate school is an even greater accomplishment. Neither of my parents completed high school, and my mother raised me on her own. She sometimes had to work two jobs to provide for us. I have strived to succeed to make all her sacrifices worthwhile. My strengths are my strong work ethic, determination, dedication, compassion for others, willingness to rise to the challenge, organizational skills, team playing skills, and communication skills. My professional growth plan consists of informally apprentice with the children’s librarian at my work to gain more hands-on experience in the field. I aim to become a public librarian, so I find this experience to be invaluable. I will also network with other professionals, polish my resume, and apply to libraries in my region. In the future, I want to learn American Sign Language and Spanish as to better serve the people in my community.
All introductory, reflective, and evidentiary work submitted is mine alone (except where indicated as a group or team project), and has been prepared solely by me.
I am protecting the privacy of the contents of my e-Portfolio by password protecting it or by sharing the URL only with my e-portfolio advisor.
Before making my e-portfolio public I will respect the privacy of others by removing mention in this e-Portfolio of information that could lead to the identity of individuals (team members in group projects, internship supervisors, interviewees, etc.) and institutions
Mariah June Robbins