Goal 1: To ground students in history, values, ethics, and guiding principles of the information professions.

SLO 1: Graduates will apply the core principles, ethics, values, and body of knowledge to questions in library and information science, according to their area of specialty.

The goal of SLO 1 is to ground students in the history, values, ethics, and guiding principles of the information profession. After completing this degree, I feel competent in my ability to analyze and critique information principles, defend intellectual freedom, and evaluate research literature. These skills demonstrate my competency in the profession and prove my ability to provide quality information and resources to the community in which I will serve. I believe it is important to look both at where libraries have come from, and question the current principles of LIS institutions, so that we as an industry, will be able to anticipate future patron needs, and provide them with trustworthy and accessible information.

In ISLT 7305: Foundations of Library and Information Science, taught by Dr. Buchanan, I was given the opportunity to explore a part of the LIS industry that holds a bias, and doesn’t live up to the guiding ALA principles that we have all been taught during our program. My paper titled “Conflicting Values: Equal Information Accessibility vs. Knowledge Organization Bias”, describes the biases created by the outdated language and hierarchical nature of classification systems. This paper specifically targets the Dewey Decimal System and Library of Congress classification systems. Not only does this paper show that I can use research-based evidence by first creating a literature review to provide light on a part of the industry that is not living up to its standards of ethics and values, but also shows that I can find and define possible solutions. In my paper, I share ideas such as: genrefication, institutions led by indigenous people and groups, and thesauri use for updated terminology. In my career, I hope to be able to see where my institution may be turning a blind eye to an important issues and implement solutions to help solve them.

In IS_LT 7301 Introduction to Information Technology, there was an assignment that allowed me to explore a new and emerging technology within the LIS field. After conducting a literature review that consisted of fifteen sources from academic journals, video conference recordings, and news articles, I was able to describe how IIIF works, how it is being used by professionals, and how this technology could impact future dissemination of information by institutions. This assignment helped me learn where to look for information and updates on new and emerging practices in LIS, as well as, how I can use the information in my own career. Seeing how technologies can create relationships between institutions, and reach a wider audience, was an important experience and makes me excited to implement some of those same ideas.

In IS_LT 9407 Intellectual Freedom and its Discontent, we had many assignments where I analyzed the dissemination of information and how “fair” libraries really were to their communities. One specific assignment we had, asked students to pick a topic that drew on the hypocritical nature of the ALA principles versus how they were implemented in LIS institutions. I did my paper on the idea of neutrality. Before this assignment, I believed libraries were there to “not have an opinion” and just give out books to patrons when they needed an answer. While I still agree that I should probably keep some opinions to myself, I no longer believe in the idea of “neutrality”. This paper showed me that when library’s stay out of a conflict, this is really allowing the side with the most power to continue. My paper argues, if libraries must remain neutral and not fight for the equality of all members of their community, the library is falling short of attaining the core values and is not fully participating in the notion of intellectual freedom. This paper fits perfectly with the goals of SLO 1, as it examines the ethics and guiding principles of libraries. The assignment also allowed me to dive into academic research and find both quantitative and qualitative data to back up my analysis.

In conclusion, my classes have prepared me to not go into this profession with rose colored glasses, but to always be on the lookout for ways of breaking down barriers to increase accessibility, equality, and quality resources. And, if I do find a problem, I have the research skills to find out the root of the issue and come up with solutions. I am confident in my ability to change the profession for the better and am happy that the aspiring goals and values of the industry align with my own.