Before I began my studies at UNCG I went on a mission trip in Jamaica. This trip was transformative for me because I was able to organize the school library in the community I served in. While their library was small the children valued it, and were grateful to be able to see all that was available to them. I am thankful for this opportunity and proud to be a library professional.
SLO 8. The student effectively collaborates for the achievement of individual, organizational, professional, and societal goals.
Collaboration is vital in libraries because it enhances the library's ability to serve in the community and makes library services more accessible and valued (Tech Soup For Libraries, 2019). Collaboration in the library allows for the opening of endless possibilities, the expansion of services and programs, and most importantly ensures that the library can reach new audiences. As a future librarian, I aspire to not only meet my individual goals, but also the organizational, professional, and societal goals in the library and information science field. Through my studies and professional experiences, I have gained the necessary tools to work collaboratively reach all of the set goals in this field.
Organizational
I’ve worked for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library for over five years. And when my career with CML began they were embarking on a collaborative effort called Blueprint which had the goal to analyze current growth patterns, environmental demographics, shifts in technology, and learning trends (Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, 2019). After the Blueprint was established CML concluded that a "Library must be essential to its community" (Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, 2019). To do my part to ensure that the library becomes essential to the community I've joined numerous teams in my organization. As a member of CML's Community Read Team, I collaborated with my colleagues to create programs to support the initiative to encourage the community to read The Hate U Give by Angie Stone. I was even able to collaborate with the Charlotte Police Department to facilitate a program related to the book for a program at the YMCA's Teen Summit. I am also apart of the Theatrical Training Team which strives to teach staff how to use dramatic play to increase engagement in programs. And lastly, I am proud to be apart of CML Restorative Justice Workgroup which is now working to implement new disciplinary rules for teens that are fairer and encourage accountability for teens.
Professional & Societal
The American Library Association believes that equity, inclusion, and diversity is vital to the practice of intellectual freedom (American Library Association, 2017). Diversity and inclusion have become major factors in the library and information science field, and libraries nationwide are striving to become centers that are welcoming, inclusive, and essential to all. To reach this societal goal I've done my part to ensure that my library is viewed upon as a safe space. And I've taken necessary training courses to ensure that I am more open, empathic, and understanding of the obstacles that potential library users may be facing. By joining professional organizations, I learned how I can work virtually to reach professional and societal goals by volunteering for national initiatives, applying to serve on committees, attending webinars, and seeking other learning opportunities. Continuous learning will be vital for me as a librarian it will ensure that I have the necessary tools needed to reach and professional and societal goals.
Individual
When my library career began nearly a decade ago I had no idea that my life would be at where it is today. I always say that the library changed my life, and while some might not believe me, it is true. My first position at the library was as a shelver. The youth services librarian at that branch saw something in me and asked me to collaborate with her on a program. She encouraged me to strive for excellence and pushed me to strive for more. Her encouragement changed my life. As a survivor of domestic violence, the library gave me a platform to share my story and change the lives of others. My story became a source of inspiration for others but for me, it gave me purpose. Having so many young women believe in me pushed me to apply for Graduate school, and they are the reason that I am here today. The library has shown me that you can overcome any obstacle and it will be my mission as a librarian to transform my community. And that is my personal goal.
Libraries have the power to change the community. And librarians are the agents that will foster that change. I am excited to become a change-maker in my community!
Organizational
I’ve worked for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library for over five years. And when my career with CML began they were embarking on a collaborative effort called Blueprint which had the goal to analyze current growth patterns, environmental demographics, shifts in technology, and learning trends (Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, 2019). After the Blueprint was established CML concluded that a "Library must be essential to its community" (Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, 2019). To do my part to ensure that the library becomes essential to the community I've joined numerous teams in my organization. As a member of CML's Community Read Team, I collaborated with my colleagues to create programs to support the initiative to encourage the community to read The Hate U Give by Angie Stone. I was even able to collaborate with the Charlotte Police Department to facilitate a program related to the book for a program at the YMCA's Teen Summit. I am also apart of the Theatrical Training Team which strives to teach staff how to use dramatic play to increase engagement in programs. And lastly, I am proud to be apart of CML Restorative Justice Workgroup which is now working to implement new disciplinary rules for teens that are fairer and encourage accountability for teens.
Professional & Societal
The American Library Association believes that equity, inclusion, and diversity is vital to the practice of intellectual freedom (American Library Association, 2017). Diversity and inclusion have become major factors in the library and information science field, and libraries nationwide are striving to become centers that are welcoming, inclusive, and essential to all. To reach this societal goal I've done my part to ensure that my library is viewed upon as a safe space. And I've taken necessary training courses to ensure that I am more open, empathic, and understanding of the obstacles that potential library users may be facing. By joining professional organizations, I learned how I can work virtually to reach professional and societal goals by volunteering for national initiatives, applying to serve on committees, attending webinars, and seeking other learning opportunities. Continuous learning will be vital for me as a librarian it will ensure that I have the necessary tools needed to reach and professional and societal goals.
Individual
When my library career began nearly a decade ago I had no idea that my life would be at where it is today. I always say that the library changed my life, and while some might not believe me, it is true. My first position at the library was as a shelver. The youth services librarian at that branch saw something in me and asked me to collaborate with her on a program. She encouraged me to strive for excellence and pushed me to strive for more. Her encouragement changed my life. As a survivor of domestic violence, the library gave me a platform to share my story and change the lives of others. My story became a source of inspiration for others but for me, it gave me purpose. Having so many young women believe in me pushed me to apply for Graduate school, and they are the reason that I am here today. The library has shown me that you can overcome any obstacle and it will be my mission as a librarian to transform my community. And that is my personal goal.
Libraries have the power to change the community. And librarians are the agents that will foster that change. I am excited to become a change-maker in my community!
Artifacts
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I facilitated a presentation on how this dramatic play icebreaker could be used to engage teens in any program. This is a copy of the of the flyer that was given to the staff that attended the session.
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This is a copy of the program catalog that I collaborated on to create the official teen program catalog for CML's 2019 Community Read title The Hate U Give by Angie Stone.
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References
American Library Association. (2017, July 5). Equity, Diversity, Inclusion: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights. Retrieved from American Library Association: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/EDI
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. (2019). Essential in 2025. Retrieved from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library: https://www.cmlibrary.org/essential
Tech Soup For Libraries. (2019). Effectively Collaborating with Other Libraries and Partners . Retrieved from Tech Soup For Libraries: http://www.techsoupforlibraries.org/Cookbooks/Planning%20for%20Success/Communication%20and%20Partnerships/effectively-collaborating-with-other-l
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. (2019). Essential in 2025. Retrieved from Charlotte Mecklenburg Library: https://www.cmlibrary.org/essential
Tech Soup For Libraries. (2019). Effectively Collaborating with Other Libraries and Partners . Retrieved from Tech Soup For Libraries: http://www.techsoupforlibraries.org/Cookbooks/Planning%20for%20Success/Communication%20and%20Partnerships/effectively-collaborating-with-other-l