MLIS e-portfolio

About

This e-portfolio represents the culmination of my work over the past three years in the Masters of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program at San Jose State University (SJSU). The work presented in this portfolio also represents work I’ve completed in my position as a library technician at an academic institution where I have worked for the past four years. I have learned a great deal about the skills associated with becoming an academic librarian with leadership skills through this program and experience. My ultimate career goal is to become an academic library Dean or Director, and what I have learned in this program will assist me in achieving it. In this portfolio, I demonstrate my understanding of the fourteen key competencies of this program. My philosophy toward work and my goal when I become an academic librarian, is to challenge myself continuously, to stay involved and committed to creating equitable change in the LIS profession through the various tasks and means available to me.

Organization and Structure

This portfolio is divided between each competency (A-H) (J-O). Each competency has its own page and is structured with various sections. The first section is the introduction to the competency; here, I describe my knowledge of the competency and an explanation of why it is important to the profession. This may be followed by other sections detailing specific areas of information within the competency. The next section is evidence; this is where I will list three examples of my past work and explain how they represent my understanding of the competency. I finish with a conclusion on how I will be able to use my knowledge of the competency when I become a librarian, followed by a list of references. 

On each competency page, the heading will list the title with the description of the competency below. Bolded font signifies headings and italic font signifies subheadings. Each evidentiary item title is a link to either a PDF copy of the document to access or a link to evidence presented on a different website or a link to a video.

Process

To prepare for the e-portfolio process, I started by saving any and all assignments and discussions for each class throughout my time in the program. Once all my work was saved, I used the MLIS Student Success Planner to assist in analyzing all coursework to determine which competencies they met. Once my coursework was assigned to competencies, I saved all my work in a specific competency folder on my computer, which was then copied and added to my Google Drive. I then worked to locate at least three items of coursework to be the evidence I will present in my submission. I saved my final evidence in the designated competency folders on my Google Drive and allowed viewing capabilities to others via a link for submission.

In preparing for the essay section of the competencies, I viewed the written instructions, the critical information document, the statements of competency rubric, and the hints, reminders, and clarifications document to get started. I wanted to be thorough to ensure everything was accounted for in my submissions. I then used the primary resources of Hirsh’s Information Services Today (3rd. edition) and Haycock & Romniuk’s The Portable MLIS (2nd edition) to assist with my writing and understanding of the competencies. 

I worked strategically through the competencies, going alphabetically and setting deadlines to ensure the process was completed on time. I set the goal of completing two competencies a week and stuck with it. If I felt like doing more I would take it as extra time, but otherwise, I was dedicated to completing it within my set-up timeframe of completion. Thankfully, I was able to stick with it and accomplished this goal!