Demonstrate commitment to principles of librarianship

1. Connects people to ideas

ILS501 Introduction to Information Science and Technology with Dr. Kim
ILS506 Information Analysis and Organization with Mr. Oddo
ILS 655 Digital Libraries with Dr. Yan Quan Liu
ILS680 Evaluation And Research with Dr. Eino Sierpe
ILS503 Foundations of Library Science with Dr. Jodi C. Williams
ILS504 Reference and Information Resources and Services with Dr. Okobi
ILS514 Materials and Services for Adults with Dr. Elsie Okobi

Connecting people to ideas is a basic tenant of librarianship and a concept learned in the first foundation class and reiterated in practically every class hence. Connecting adults to information, connecting people to information by creating a library collection, connecting people to information using digital resources, connecting people with information through reference assistance, through clear and concise cataloging. In the Evaluation and Research class we learned how to write effectively so that a librarian can communicate information to other librarians and readers in general of studies, reports, etc..

2. Provides free and open access to information

ILS503 Foundations of Library Science with Dr. Jodi C. Williams
ILS560 College and University Libraries with Dr. James Kusack

One of the first things we learned were the six tenents of the "ALA library bill of rights"" adopted in 1948 and the "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)" both of which stress free and open access to anyone regardless. This applies to collection development, reference etc.. Whatever a librarians own beliefs may be they cannot interfere with the free and open access to information that makes a library what it is an important vehicle in the maintenance of a democracy.

3. Demonstrates commitment to literacy and learning

ILS503 Foundations of Library Science with Dr. Jodi C. Williams
ILS514 Materials and Services for Adults with Dr. Elsie Okobi
ILS560 College and University Libraries with Dr. James Kusack
Graduate Assistantship with Dr. Jan Quan Liu

There was some discussion of literacy in the foundation class and the adult services class as well. Very often the library is a catalyst for literacy in the community. Commitment to learning was discussed in the "College and University Library" class since the basic precept of higher education is learning. The Graduate assistantship gave me an opportunity to see the learning process from the side of the professor which was an invaluable experience and when preparing the review class I tried to tie together what Dr. Liu wanted me to cover but also address what I remembered were issues for myself and my colleagues when I had taken the course.

4. Shows respect for individuality and diversity

ILS585 Field Project with Dr. Yan Quan Liu
ILS600 Independent Study with Dr. Yan Quan Liu

The field project and Independent study showed e first hand the individuality and enormous diversity found in patrons using libraries. The studies provided a questionnaire to patrons of New England and New York City libraries respectively. The range of economic situations, of ethnic backgrounds, of languages used, of education, of searching skills of use of technology was tremendous. No two responses were identical. It really showed the range of diversity, the need to understand it and to address the disparate needs accordingly in the library situation.

5. Supports freedom for all people to form, hold, and express their own beliefs

ILS503 Foundations of Library Science with Dr. Jodi C. Williams
ILS585 Field Project with Dr. Yan Quan Liu
ILS600 Independent Study with Dr. Yan Quan Liu

These courses especially reinforced a belief that there is great diversity in a library community and that it is the librarians responsibility to support their patrons right to their own beliefs and to provide them with the information they seek regardless of personal biases. This is an important aspect of the college and university system and its role in educating and the library as a support system for this process is likewise obliged to follow suit.

6. Preserves the human record

ILS519 Acquisitions and Development: Library and Information Resources with Dr. Bielefeld
ILS560 College and University Libraries with Dr. James Kusack

The "Collection Development" class and the "College and University" class especially highlighted the role of the library, especially, the higher education library as preserver of information for subsequent generations. Working in a university library preservation department has further impacted my strong belief in this role of the library. Books and materials that may not be appropriate for a public library in terms of information being current are a central point in a research library which tries to build a collection of historical importance for research purposes.

7. Provides excellence in service

ILS503 Foundations of Library Science with Dr. Jodi C. Williams
ILS504 Reference and Information Resources and Services with Dr. Okobi
ILS514 Materials and Services for Adults with Dr. Elsie Okobi

Excellence in service was stressed especially in the foundation course with Dr. Williams, the reference course and the adult services course. Among all the roles a librarian performs that is the one she must never loose sight of when juggling numerous responsibilities. The library at which I currently work honors workers yearly with a "Service Award" for those who have gone beyond their normal tasks to provide patrons with exemplary service. There are no cataloging, collection development or preservation awards given.

8. Forms partnerships to advance these values

ILS565 Library Management with Dr. James Kusack
ILS560 College and University Libraries with Dr. James Kusack

Both classes taken with Dr. Kusack really underscored the need for a librarian at a research library to form partnerships to advance the values inherent in the research librarians repertoire. This is true for creating relationships with faculty to help promote the libraries resources and services to the faulty members both as instructors to help them in teaching their courses but also in terms of them as researchers themselves. There is a need to connect with library colleagues as well to advance the profession and to learn together and from each other.