Program Learning Outcome 5 (PLO5)

In LIS 635 I evaluated the current technology policy for Northwestern Regional Library. This policy, last updated in 2010, is outdated and would benefit from some revision. It may protect the organization from potential liability. However, since some of the content is obsolete, the impact of this policy is more likely to be the public's loss of confidence in the library staff's knowledge of current technology.

In LIS 666 we looked at a single conflict in a library community from the different perspectives of those involved. In writing as a patron, committee member, and library director, this exercise made the value of well written library policies very clear in guiding decision making, averting lawsuits, and supporting employees through difficult encounters. Additionally, clear policies protect patron privacy and accessibility to resources, ensuring that there is consistency in the way all parties are treated.

I explored trends in library science in many of my classes. In LIS 600 I assessed trends by conducting a review of the Journal of Academic Librarianship. In LIS 656 an interview with an academic makerspace librarian allowed me to see the impact of current trends in action. In LIS 657 I evaluated trends in librarianship stemming from Covid19. 

The increase of unionized libraries across the USA is one trend that was spurred by Covid 19 shutdowns. In LIS 656 I examined this trend and presented my findings, noting how past business practices and emerging values have led to this trend. Additionally, I discussed the impact of unions for individuals and the organization.

My position as a Graduate Research Assistant for Dr. Noah Lenstra's Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) at the Library project provided a great opportunity to analyze trends in libraries and assist in creating a plan to educate library workers about the impact of those trends. The research clearly shows a move toward libraries partnering with community organizations to provide health literacy programs to those in need.

As Covid 19 changed the way business was conducted across all industries, I saw a need to advocate for the value of community libraries and all they offer. In LIS 635 I created a PSA to explain the new service model and inform the community and funding bodies of all the important services available at no cost to the individual.

During my time in the LIS program, I have been able to serve as the Treasurer of the Library and Information Science Student Association (LISSA), the Marketing Chair for North Carolina Library Association's (NCLA) Public Library Section, and a Student Community Leader for the American Library Association (ALA). These positions have given me a great perspective on the wide range of ways that professional associations are engaging for their constituents from national campaigns like Library Card Sign-Up Month to local opportunities for professional development.  

• In LISSA I joined our President in setting up a table for Fall Day I partnered with our Vice President to lead CritLib meetings to help strengthen our confidence in speaking up for our patrons and ourselves. I created a survey so students could have input in what topics would be discussed. Then LISSA provided funds for Jackson Library to purchase materials and I arranged to have chapters available as digital reserves to provide access to all students interested in participating. I also designed the t-shirt that LISSA sold as a fundraiser during the spring of 2022.

• For NCLA I established and managed the social media page, highlighting and connecting public libraries across the state. I was also part of a committee which planned a mini conference called Fabulous Friday for public library workers, in which I secured Dr. Noah Lenstra as the guest speaker.

• With ALA I worked with a team of Student Community Leaders to define the new role for ALA and moderate a student forum in ALA Connect. We also led an educational networking program called Librarian Lounge for students across the US. We created a survey to determine what type of interaction other students most wanted and designed an event to meet their needs. My breakout session covered makerspaces.

In the library branch where I work, I initiated a partnership with the organization dedicated to National Voter Registration Day. Advocating for voting rights, I promoted this event by creating flyers that were sent to all town residents with their utility bills as well as posting flyers around town and on social media. During the event, we provide voter registration forms and information about voting sites and dates for two counties. I also set up a book display and Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) poster exhibit called, "Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence." The educational component has provided an opportunity to open conversations about why voting is important and how certain groups are disenfranchised.