Self-assessment

Name: Haley Monroe

Faculty Advisor: Ellen Rubenstein

Background

My decision to work towards an MLIS was one that did not come until the last 2nd to last semester of my undergrad. I worked as a student assistant in the Collection Services Department at the library at East Central University while getting my degree in elementary education. This is where I met Vivian Eldridge. Vivian was my boss at the library, but she ended up being so much more. I was not happy with my plans of being a teacher and I talked to Vivian about this a lot. She noticed my love for the library and also some of my personality traits/skills, such as organization and problem-solving. She brought up the idea of becoming a librarian and I instantly fell in love with the idea. I worked as a student worker in the library until a staff position opened up then I applied for that. I became the circulation manager while still working on my undergrad, which had changed to a degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in education. In the circulation position, I got the opportunity to manage not only circulation but about 16 student assistants per semester and also help with the implementation of a new ILS. This helped me learn many management skills. 

When I started the MLIS program I was certain that academic librarianship was the right path for me. My experience working in an academic library during my undergraduate years not only contributed to my professional growth but also left a lasting impact on a personal level. Recognizing the crucial role of data in justifying the significance of libraries within higher education, I decided to pursue a certificate in Data Analytics. Throughout my time in the program, my focus has been on exploring ways to foster lifelong learning amidst the constantly evolving information environment.

In LIS 5033 (Information and Society) I was able to complete a self-assessment analysis. Below are my results: 

Vision Statement: Helping library users learn how to become lifelong learners. 

Mission Statement: I will use my education to provide library users with the resources needed, mentally and physically, to educate themselves for the rest of their lives. I will provide them with useful research techniques that will show how to find the most credible information whether they are using a library database or an online search engine. Helping create lifelong learners will in hand help create an educated society.

SWOT Analysis:

Internal

Strengths:

 Problem-solving skills

Weaknesses: 

Public speaking skills

External

Opportunities:

Continuing education with getting another certificate or another master's degree. 

Threats:

Possibly getting burnt out by being at the same university for so long.

Strategy Areas

1. Digital Services supporting statement: I will take courses in specific 3D modeling and printing. 

     Outcome: Become a reference point for people who need help modeling prints for their courses. 

2. Data Analytics supporting statement: Take data analytics courses needed to fulfill my certificate along with attending webinars provided by OU. 

     Outcome: Have experience with data analytics before I graduate which I can utilize as a librarian when recording statistics. 

3. Instructional Librarian supporting statement: Use my education classes in undergrad as well as take classes during my master’s that help provide instructional techniques. 

     Outcome: Provide students in my future liaison areas with help on assignments both in their classroom and in the library when needed. 

Reflection

As I have stated in other sections of my e-Portfolio, the growth I have experienced as both a student and an information professional since my first semester in the MLIS program to now has been tremendous. Because of this, some areas of my self-assessment are still relevant and some have evolved. My vision and mission statement remain true regarding my passion for lifelong learning and helping educate others on how they can educate themselves for the rest of their lives. I feel as if my strength in problem-solving is an asset I bring to any scenario. Going through the MLIS program and being an academic librarian the last year and a half have shown me how to use my problem-solving skills more efficiently but more importantly I have learned that I can't solve every problem by myself.

 When I began the program I had a fear of public speaking and was worried how that may hinder me in my future endeavors. In the last two years, I have pushed myself to contribute my ideas and opinions in professional conversations to grow. I also presented at the 2023 and 2024 OLA Conference. All of these opportunities I have been able to participate in have helped me grow as a public speaker and now I enjoy being able to partake in those experiences. I am planning on taking a break from school for at least a year so my main focus can be my job but do anticipate obtaining another degree or certificate in the future. I believe this decision will help me with burnout because these last two years have shown me how mentally taxing a full-time job and course load can be. As for my strategy areas, I am still working on accomplishing them but am positive that the knowledge I learned in the MLIS program is the key to success for me.