Professional Development and Lifelong Learning

Portfolio Philosophy and Professional Development Plan

Through this final assignment in the ISCI 701 Ethics Values and Foundational Principles of Information Science Professions course, I have demonstrated the professional development and lifelong learning core competencies. Tasked with developing a philosophy statement and professional development plan (of both short and long-term career goals), I explored the role that library and information professionals have in serving and supporting their communities. By articulating a personal philosophy statement of culturally responsive professional behaviors and ethics I can demonstrate what governs me in this profession. Furthermore, the assessment of my current skills at the time and identification of the skills I'd need to acquire to propel my career further demonstrates the mastery of lifelong learning and professional development by basing my plans on the realistic needs and demands of my expected career path. The construction of both short and long-term professional development plans additionally demonstrates and articulates my goals and ambitions for my personal and professional growth in the library and information science field. I have continued to work with the public by listening to, involving, engaging, and serving our local communities.

Creating a philosophy statement and professional development plan gave me a concise objective and purpose for my career path. This process of constructing my philosophy statement allowed me to chart out what I value most when it comes to this profession, which is the focus on serving all of our communities; generally speaking, my ideologies were heavily influenced by and overarch with the ALA's set of core values. Furthermore, the task of developing short and long-term professional development plans greatly helped me in planning out my career path, by having me articulate my goals and aspirations clearly. While both my philosophy statement and professional development plans still hold true, my written goals were a little vague having just started in both the profession and MLIS program. Today, I can say with confidence, that my aspirations have evolved with specific objectives in mind, though I will continue to hold to my original philosophy and professional development plans of keeping our communities at the forefront of everything we do as libraries and librarians. 

While this paper was created at the beginning of my journey through the MLIS program for the ISCI 701 Ethics, Values, and Foundational Principles of Information Science Professions course, I can confidently say that my philosophy and professional development plans still hold true today; though my views have expanded a great deal with my professional experience and time in this program. Reflecting on this assignment, I can see that my ideals were a little overzealous and optimistic, though I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing. Knowing what I do now, and the many complex nuanced problems that libraries face, I think that this foundation of knowledge and optimistic perspective is essential to the library profession to enact a positive change. Librarians and information professionals are going to face many difficulties throughout their careers, and the Ethics, Values, and Foundational Principles course provides a crucial foundation in said profession; expanding the understanding and complexities of this occupation. That being said, this profession is so incredibly rewarding by being able to connect with and serve our local communities. I am committed to continuing to educate myself, serving, involving, and listening to our diverse communities, and advocating for our libraries.