Final Reflections

There are a number of things I have learned this semester that I feel will be helpful for me as a current library volunteer and a future librarian.  Some of these things I learned in class while others I learned in my volunteer position.

Through the ethics scenario activity, I was able to explore the ALA Code of Ethics in light of a case that I may very well face in my own experience as a children's librarian.  I was able to discover that there is a great deal of literature and resources already available to me on the topic, as well as policies that other libraries have in place that could help me to create my own policy, under the direction of my library administrator.

As a result of completing the entries for this blog, I was exposed to a number of resources (professional organizations, listservs, blogs, and journals) that can help me to discover resources and materials that would be appropriate for my own patrons.  These resources can also help me to brainstorm ideas for the planning and execution of events, and find out what worked and did not work for other professionals.

In my volunteer experience, I was able to learn some essential skills which were completely new to me, such as weeding, collection maintenance, learning the basics of the computer software Workflows, and beginning to gain some experience with reader's advisory and event planning in the library.

Most importantly, through my participation in the course and interviews with local library professionals, I was able to make connections and begin to network with future colleagues.  In my experience with the LIS profession so far, I am realizing the importance of these connections with other professionals for sharing information, brainstorming, learning about resources and materials, and planning events.

As I continue in my graduate school education and my career, I plan to continue forming these connections and seeking out resources that can help me to grow as a professional.  While I would not say that any of my ideas about the LIS field were wrong, I feel I am gaining a much deeper understanding of what it means to be a librarian and look forward to learning more about the profession as my education continues.  I hope to one day be the librarian who is able to recommend a book that is perfect for a reader or give advice on planning an event for another future librarian.