Reflections
To get to this point I have spent the last four years juggling family obligations, school work and a demanding full-time job. It feels like a monumental achievement to be almost done. Indeed it has taken a lot of self-motivation, self-discipline and organization to be able to complete this degree.
I applied for a Master's in Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree at San Jose State University (SJSU) on a whim. I always knew that I would have loved to be a librarian or work in an information setting. A love of reading and research fueled those wishes. At a point in my life where work as an administrative assistant seemed as if it was leaving my neurons unchallenged, I decided it was time to pursue the MLIS path. SJSU seemed the obvious choice as it offers a flexible online distance-learning program that is accredited by the American Library Association. Thankfully, the technological advances of the information age have made learning in this type of online environment possible. I do not think it diminished the school experience in any way as we frequently utilized tools that allowed instructors and students to interface through lively discussions with the aid of web conferencing tools. Occasionally, I also participated in group projects that took advantage of geographical proximity empowering students to meet face-to-face and enhancing the school experience that much more.
I chose to focus on the Archival track of studies and my course selection reflects that. However, I was also careful to incorporate classes that augmented my knowledge in other specializations as well. For instance, I took a class in Government Information Resources that though not recommended for the Archival track, it enhanced my skills in the area of research, something that I am also very interested in. On the same note, a class in Beginning Cataloging introduced me to the enjoyable skills of classification and organization, one that has already proven helpful in my current work outside of the field. All my classes in the program have provided a broad solid platform of knowledge and understanding of the issues, challenges, and characteristics of the profession regardless of specialization.
I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to create this e-Portfolio as it has put into perspective my journey through the MLIS studies at SJSU. While putting together this web site I realized that my experience in the program has thoroughly prepared me to be a well rounded information professional. I have learned the tremendous importance of the service we provide, that of connecting people with information and resources.
Working on each competency permitted me to review any course work and professional experiences within the context of what it means to be an information professional who is devoted to upholding the principles and values of the profession. I was also able to relate my own work and life experiences outside the field to my learnings in the program proving to me the value of my newly acquired skills as transferable to a wide variety of applications.
The part of constructing this e-Portfolio that I enjoyed the most was defining my philosophy statement, something I left for the end as I found it very difficult to pinpoint. I am glad I did that. Once I was able to look back and review all my competencies and evidentiary work, I was able to better articulate what I stand for as an information professional. It also helped me focus my beliefs, attitude, and actions for my future job in the field. I now know what I expect from the profession as well as what I want to accomplish to help our communities become better places.
As I think of my future as an archivist of information professional I feel confident in the knowledge, abilities, and skills that the MLIS program has allowed me to develop. My greatest contributing strengths to the profession are a love of change and an innate desire to help.
Our field, like many others, is in a constant state of evolution with new technologies, programs, and services frequently replacing the ones in place. I embrace change and I see in it the possibility of bettering our programs and services to our users. To keep in step with change it is important that I continue to grow professionally and keep myself updated with any advances in the technologies and services that we use in the profession.
Where I work I am officially known as the Queen of Research . People come to me with the most obscure questions and are confident that I will help them find the answer. I love the helping aspect of librarianship and information science. This is one of my strengths. I truly believe in providing access to information that is free of bias or discriminatory practices. Likewise, I wholly stand for helping people with their information needs as I know that well-informed citizens make a better society.
I have several interests for my professional growth. For example, I would like to obtain a deeper knowledge of new technologies such as effective database and web interface design as well as increase my dexterity in design languages such as Java, PHP, and XHTML. Having a deeper understanding of these tools will allow my organization and I to be able to reach out to our users. I am also interested in helping bridge the gap between libraries and information centers and the ethnic populations that they serve. For instance, by using my knowledge of the Spanish language and my interpersonal and communication skills I can help determine what the information needs of Hispanic users in our communities are and help eliminate the institutional barriers that stand in their way. Finally, I am interested in remaining active in the information professionals network which will allow me to exchange ideas and solutions as well as enrich my knowledge and skills. My goal is to ultimately help accomplish my organization's mission while upholding the values of the profession.
Affirmation Statement
I, Mildred Arencibia, affirm that all introductory, reflective, and evidentiary work submitted is mine alone, except where indicated as a group or team project, and has been prepared solely by me.