MLIS ARTIFACTS
Artifact | 01
Artifact 1 | Reference Observation Paper
INF 6120: Access to Information
This artifact is a formal paper based on my observations of reference services at a public library over the course of a semester. This paper focuses on the impact of the reference interview on customer service to patrons. During my observations, reference services librarians never followed the steps of the reference interview to completion. I observed how this negatively impacted customer service and compromised the patrons’ access to information resources. I learned that following the steps of the reference interview and providing excellent customer service is necessary to “facilitate access to, and use of, information resources between users and communities” (SIS, 2019).
Artifact | 02
Artifact 2 | Culture of Children Essay
INF 6520: Survey & Analysis of Current Literature for Children: Grades 4 - 8
This artifact is an analytic essay that compares and contrasts the culture of children with the culture of adults. This essay explores the culture of the TransGeneration / Generation Z and how their literary and information needs are often compromised by the culture of adults. I discovered that although many youths in this generation do not identify as exclusively heterosexual, many libraries do not offer well-developed Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) theme collections or resources. I learned that having collections and information resources that reflect the needs of all members of the community is fundamental to “facilitate access to, and use of information resources between users and communities” (SIS, 2019).
Artifact | 03
Artifact 3 | Personal Management Style
INF 7040: Library Administration & Management
This artifact is an evaluation of my preferred management style, detailing my strengths as a manager and revealing areas that need improvement. To identify my preferred management style, I evaluated the various approaches to management found in the course textbook, Management Basics for Information Professionals. I then took the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test to learn more about my preferred style of management. Before this assignment, I had no idea how to identify or articulate my preferred management style. Knowing my personal management style enables me to "utilize current management and leadership theories and practices in the workplace" (SIS, 2019).
Artifact | 04
Artifact 4| Interview a Manager
INF 7040: Library Administration & Management
This artifact is a reflective essay based on my interview with Leslie Tetreault, the youth services manager at the Richland County Public Library in Columbia, South Carolina. Interviewing Mrs. Tetreault allowed me to gain insight into the responsibilities that accompany being a youth services manager as well as the rewarding and challenging aspects of this position. This library leader imparted in minute detail her personal management philosophy and intense training regime she uses when onboarding new staff to her team. The two-hour interview session with Mrs. Tetreault was like attending a seminar on how to be a successful and effective manager/leader. This assignment brought to life how to “utilize current management and leadership theories and practices in the workplace” (SIS, 2019).