Artifacts

7010 | Introduction to Library and Information Science | Spring 2023

Libraries and Accessibility: Achieving equal access for disabled patrons

This research paper explores the importance of accessibility in libraries, examining librarians' confidence levels in implementing accessibility practices. It discusses key aspects of universal design, the significance of assistive technology, and the necessity for additional training among LIS professionals in assistive technology and other accessibility-related areas. 

7040 | Information Access Services | Summer 2023

Introduction to Minnesota's Aquatic Invasive Species 

This LibGuide was created to showcase my ability to organize information in a clear and accessible way for the general public. It covers Minnesota's aquatic invasive species, including both plants and animals. The guide demonstrates my understanding of the topic and highlights my creativity and skill in designing interactive tools that can be utilized in a library setting. 

Reflection on Volunteering for askMN

During my time in LIS 7040, I volunteered 8 hours of my time answering reference questions for academic libraries and public libraries in both the U.S. and the U.K. This experience allowed me to understand the different types of questions I may receive while working at either type of institution. It was my first experience with reference work. This assignment was instrumental in helping me gain the confidence necessary to work as a Research Services Graduate Assistant at the St. Kate's Library, as well as working as a Library Aide at the Legislative Reference Library. 

Bibliography Plan: Adaptations in cave fish, Astyanax mexicanus

This bibliography plan, centered on the troglomorphic species Astyanax mexicanus, showcases my ability to critically evaluate scientific research, navigate relevant databases, and apply proper citation practices. 

7480 | Collection Management | Fall 2023

Academic Library Acquisitions Project 

This acquisition project showcases my ability to develop a well-rounded nonfiction collection for an academic library while working within a $4,500 budget. It strengthened my skills in budget management, strategic collection development, and team collaboration. Additionally, our team prioritized diversity and inclusion, ensuring the collection featured a wide range of perspectives and voices. 

7130 | Preservation Management | Fall 2023

Environmental Observation and Library Risk Assessment

This fictional library risk assessment taught me the necessary steps in developing a collection or preservation management plan. By evaluating potential threats to the St. Kate’s library, I created a comprehensive risk assessment that examined policies, stakeholders, and risks to the collection. This project highlights my ability to assess institutional needs and develop proactive strategies to safeguard collections for long-term preservation. 

Mumford Herbarium Management Plan

For this project, I designed a hypothetical museum, the Mumford Herbarium, and developed a detailed management plan. This plan involved researching existing institutions that were similar and creating strategies for collection maintenance and long-term preservation. 

7050 | Research Methods for Library Information Science | Summer 2024

Research Proposal: Exploring digital accessibility confidence among recent LIS graduates

This research proposal outlines a qualitative study examining the confidence levels of recent LIS graduates in utilizing digital accessibility practices. It showcases my ability to design research studies, analyze key indicators, and identify areas in the LIS field that require further exploration. 

7530 | Web Design and Accessibility | Fall 2024

Backyard Birding - Twin Cities 

Backyard Birding - Twin Cities is a website I created to help aspiring birders identify the species they might see at their feeders throughout the year. This project highlights my proficiency in HTML and CSS while prioritizing accessibility. By combining my passion for ornithology with information science principles, I developed an engaging and educational resource designed to inform and inspire users. 

7510 | Database Management | Fall 2024

Backyard Birding Database 

I created this SQL database as a way to expand on a website I built in another class, Backyard Birding – Twin Cities. Using the information I had already gathered, I built a searchable database where users could find birds based on color, season, food, or feeder preference. The idea was to make the website more interactive and helpful for people trying to identify or attract local birds. This project really helped me strengthen my SQL skills and showed me how databases can be used to build practical, user-friendly tools. 

Research Services Graduate Assistant | Fall 2023 & Spring 2024

St. Catherine University Library Website Tutorial 

While working as a Research Services Graduate Assistant at the St. Kate's Library, Alma went through several major updates. This meant their current tutorial on how to use the library's website was out of date. I created script and used OBS Studio to create this informative tutorial on how to use St. Kate's library resources efficiently for any research project. 

Library Outreach & Promotion Materials 

Additionally, during my time at the St. Kate's Library, I created a range of promotional materials for campus events. This included social media posts and flyers for events such as One Read for Racial Justice, De-stress Fest, and a first-generation library pop-up. These projects allowed me to apply both visual design and inclusive outreach strategies to engage a diverse student body and promote library services. 

Library Aide | Fall 2024 & Spring 2025

CommonLook Training Completion Certificates 

These certificates demonstrate my successful completion of CommonLook training courses, which covered techniques for remediating PDFs to meet Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 accessibility standards. This training enhanced my ability to make government documents accessible for all users, reinforcing my commitment to digital accessibility and social justice in library work.