Melisa Martinez. E-Portfolio Essay November 15th, 2013.

As a freshly minted owner of a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science, I was not sure what I got myself into when I attended my first class at Dominican University as a Graduate Student of Library and Information Science. However, I did know that like the rest of my peers I came in with a love and respect for libraries that stems from childhood. My parents were not like other parents; they didnt know English very well and they raised their children traditionally, but they did recognize the importance of libraries. Working in a public library was a thing for my family. Every sister before me (two to be exact) worked and loved their jobs at the local library and only knew that job until they eventually married and found new jobs. Until this day, they still wish they could turn their time clocks back and return to that job of public service they so loved and cherished. I suppose my love for libraries was always existent inside of me, and it took me awhile to realize that my place in the world was exactly under my nose: as a librarian. Although I concentrated primarily on archives and special collections throughout my time at Dominican University, I still hold libraries, whether academic or public, close to my heart. In a way, I dont mind where I end up as long as I am helping users in some capacity or another. As a petty circulation clerk, it makes me frustrated to see so many users needs and desires not recognized, and I wish with all my heart that I were given that power to make a difference. I hope with this trusty MLIS on my resume, it will let me do just that: make a difference in someones life. I know it sounds kind of cheesy and clich, but thats exactly what I want to do. Whether I am finding that researchers highly needed monograph on soldiers during the Civil War or finding a minority an English instruction guide, I will truly be happy. In a way, I

know that feeling of helpless and lack of satisfaction that comes with not be able to find that information that you need and want. Overall I learned a lot from GSLIS program. I never thought I would enjoy a career as a librarian because I initially came into the program with a desire to be an archivist. I noticed this more when I took my core classes and a realized that there was more that went into becoming and being an information professional. Like everyone, I had a pre-conceived notion of what librarians did and their role in society. The LIS 701 course placed a lot of things in perspective for me and introduced me to the core values and ethics of the library and information science profession as well as intellectual property and copyright. This learning experience allowed me to integrate what I learned to my long time job as a circulation clerk at the Joliet Public Library, and I defiantly noticed a difference in how I interacted with patrons. I also no longer felt the need to differentiate myself from other students in the GSLIS program that were studying to be librarians. Now more than ever, I feel confident that I would be successful in any position I choose. I have the skill set, tools, and resources to be able to uphold the integrity and purpose of an information professional. A second significant learning experience occurred just recently in my last GSLIS course. It was not a specific experience during the course, but rather the concepts and themes of the course that made me realize the importance of information literacy. The course acquainted me with the fact that information literacy does not necessarily only mean bibliographic instruction, but rather other components such as instructing users on different types of information, research, reading, writing, and other related components that contribute to a users ability to apply information to real life experiences and continuous learning. Like a majority of novices into the library and information profession, I was unaware of the responsibility that librarians and other

information professionals held. In my portfolio, I used a number of artifacts to represent the impact the course had on my professional career. I am happy that I took the course and feel that it can be applied to anything, especially if I am considering a career in archives and academic libraries. This course and the experiences that occurred in it made me realize how much the library that I work at does not do for a large portion of our community. It frustrates me because there is a lot my library can do to reach out to our community. This portfolio reflects the careful course and learning opportunities decisions I made during the library and information science program. It shows how I applied my job experiences to the professional development experienced during the program. If anything, the work documented in my portfolio reflects what I learned through discussions, readings, and coursework. As a library and information science professional, the portfolio will show how much I have progressed through the program and the varied interests I have acquired since beginning the program. Primarily, this portfolio will show a continued willingness to build upon the knowledge experienced in the program. Its hard to choose which one or two artifacts in my portfolio are the best. Collectively, the artifacts in my portfolio are apart of a larger learning experience. If I had to choose two artifacts, I enjoyed creating the core collection and the issue presentation assignment for the collection management course. The core collection for a newly created minor within a university is one of the best artifacts in the portfolio because it combines my interest in Franklin Delano Roosevelt and academic libraries. It also shows my ability to locate resources according the needs and interests of students and faculty and the existent collection development in place at Roosevelt University library. The issue presentation is a second artifact in the portfolio that I enjoyed. I feel it represents by proficiency in research and a familiarity with serial cancellations

including additional issues that influence the action by academic libraries. I have an interest in scholarly information and its place in academic libraries, particularly on access, publishing, and cost. My perspective of libraries/information centers has changed drastically since beginning the program. I have a better outlook on the role of librarians and their place in the vast information world where technology exists and consistently changes. Although I have always had respect for libraries and their commitment to reading, libraries stand for more than just what meets the eye. As information professionals, we have a lot to offer than just recommending a user a book. If anything, librarians need to redefine their role to meet new expectations, new information, and new technology. I never knew the amount of preparation librarians needed and what went into sustaining an effective and exciting library. I have a grown a lot since August of 2012 when I first started the program and I hope to continue to do so.