Introductory Statement
This website represents my culminating project for the Masters of Library and Information Science at the San José State University's School of Library and Information Science (SLIS).
MLIS students are given the option of doing a research thesis or putting together an e-Portfolio. I have chosen the latter as it affords me the opportunity to cross reference the classes I have taken and what I have learned in the program with the professional competencies that are needed to be successful in the field of library and information science.
For the development of the e-Portfolio students can utilize Plone (a web creation software provided by the school) or their own web development tools. I chose to create this website by using HTML coding with the Macromedia Dreamweaver web creation software. In doing so I aimed to have complete creative control over the look, navigation, and layout of the framework. All content and template manipulation used in this project has been developed by myself only.
This e-Portfolio is designed to flow seamlessly. The menu items to the left of the screen allow the user to explore the categories in their intended logical order. It begins with a statement of my Professional Philosophy. This is followed by a discussion of all 14 areas of core competencies a graduate should have and how my learning and/or experience supports each of them. Each competency page also provides evidence of my school work in the program, independent research, or professional work. The evidence is presented through links in the narrative and also in the evidentiary section at the end of the competency statement. Please note that all evidentiary work is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF). As such you must have Acrobat Reader installed in your computer in order to access the work. The final section consists of my Reflections on the MLIS program as well as my future plans in the field.
I started the MLIS program in 2004 with the sole intention of putting my brain to use. At the time I was working as an administrative assistant in a place that shall remain nameless and work was so monotonous and boring, I believe each day I involuntarily let go of a few thousand neurons. I remembered a course taken in college which aimed to explore one's strengths and weaknesses attempting to address both with career suggestions that were compatible with personality traits and personal interest. Not surprisingly, the many tests the course instructor administered revealed that my love of reading and research was better suited for a career in Library and Information Science. Obviously, it was in the stars for me to pursue it!
Throughout the years in the MLIS program I gained a special set of skills, abilities, and knowledge that has actually helped me in my professional life as well. I must interrupt here to say that I do not, nor have I ever, had the pleasure of working in a library environment. Yet. At present I work as an office manager for a venture capital firm. However, the organizational and research skills I have gained in the MLIS program have helped me tremendously not only in this area but in my personal life as well.
In this e-Portfolio I demonstrate the depth of the knowledge acquired in the MLIS program which has prepared me, not only to be a well rounded information professional, but also a contributing member of our society.
Welcome to my e-Portfolio!