Part 1

During my first semester in the Library and Information Science program (Spring 2022), I created my Professional Development Plan in ISCI 701 with Dr. Clayton Copeland. This plan outlined the short and long-term goals I hoped to accomplish within and beyond the program. The original plan was edited after professor feedback and suggestions.

The short term goals included building a strong foundation in library and informational practices throughout the courses, research, and collaboration. This included networking and joining professional learning communities within the program and joining a professional organization.

The long-term goals included being a part of professional learning communities within my school district, state, and nation-wide to learn and grow with other professionals. Within the library, the long-term goals included staying up-to-date with books, weeding, and collection management. Within the school, the goals included relationship and collaboration with teachers to ensure the success of all students. 

After looking over this plan that was created in my first semester along with the knowledge and experience I have gained over the last two years, many parts of my plan are still applicable.  One area that I would like to add to my future professional development would be more emphasis on diversity and accessibility. This emphasis is a crucial part of libraries and programs. Furthermore, added professional development for programming would be a key to growing the library programs.

Part 2

Looking back over the last two years in the program, I could never imagine the knowledge and expertise I would have gained in this program. From the very first class, I grew as a thinker, learner, teacher, and future librarian because of amazing professors and curriculum being taught. Despite being challenging, my first semester (Spring 2022) laid the firm foundation in library and information science. During this first semester, I took ISCI 701 (Ethics, Values, and Foundational Principles of Library and Information Science Profession) with Dr. Clayton Copeland and ISCI 706 (Information Organization and Access) with Dr. Feifi Tu-Keefner.  Dr. Copeland stretched me to think and question things in new light. Her passion for this field and accessibility was contagious. 

As I progressed through this program, each class was filled with new learning experiences to strengthen my abilities as a future librarian. During Children’s Materials (ISCI 756) and Young Adult Materials (ISCI 757) with Dr. Spiering, I was able to see the importance of allowing students to have windows and mirrors. Not only are we providing books to allow students to see themselves within, but also introducing students to new cultures and stories that are different from their own. The book list in both of these classes expanded my knowledge of different genres and topics that are not usually what I gravitate towards. Being an elementary teacher, I found that Young Adult Materials class was helpful in an area that I was not as comfortable with. I quickly realized how much I loved this age level.

Each class had an impact on who I am as a librarian. My love of technology was able to grow as I learned how to use technology within the library in ISCI 761 with Jesselyn Dreezen Bowman. In that class, I was able to complete a website with policies, mission statement, and resources for my future library. Currently as a new school librarian, I am using that website as the foundation for my active website! In ISCI 742 (Curricular Role of School Librarians), I learned the impact and importance of collaboration in the library. During the class, I collected my favorite resources each week using the platform Wakelet, which I still refer to often.  Finally, in ISCI 754 (Library Programs for Children and Young Adults) with Ms. Cearra Harris, I expanded my knowledge of programming within the library and community. Two of my favorite assignments in that class were the Community Partner Assignment and Book-to-Action Program. These two assignments offered a great opportunity to partner with the community beyond the walls of your library or school. 

As you can see, it was an amazing two years. Despite the joy of being done, I will miss the professors and classmates I have met and collaborated with along the way. I will also miss the many opportunities for personal growth that I was provided. 

Part 3

Over the next five years, I will have goals to help me grow as a librarian in a wide range of areas. One area will be my involvement in professional organizations. My goal is to take an active role in the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL) and join the American Library Association.  I will use these associations to complete professional development through webinars and conferences. These associations will help me network and build relationships with librarians around our state and country.

Another goal area would be collection management. As professionals, this will be an area that I will always need to continue to grow to ensure that my collection is serving the needs of all students. Growing professionally in collection management will include exploring professional journals, reading blogs, and attending webinars from collection software companies such as Follett. 

Overall, librarians must always continue to grow, stretch, and learn to continue serving the needs of their communities to the best of our abilities. It will be my goal to always stay up-to-date in the library field and continually advocate for the library.