Goals and Objectives

​

1. Acquire an understanding of the similarities and differences between academic, public and archival institutions in order to build a general base of knowledge that will lead to flexibility in the job market.

​

• Apply the core concepts that I will learn in the required curriculum offered in the MLIS program in order to gain an overall understanding of what information professionals do in order to meet the needs of their users, as well as learning the fundamental theories of what knowledge is and how users approach the information gap.

• Explore the differences between academic and public information institutions through classroom assignments and practical experience in the field.

• Take classes that will assist in understanding the daily operations of libraries/archives from an administrative standpoint as well as in other areas such as circulation, cataloging, collection management, and archival processing. 

 

2. Use experiences in my academic library and historical society/museum to synthesize what I am learning in the classroom in order to practice and sharpen my skills.

​

• Seek opportunities and special projects in the daily operations of Durick Library to apply the skills I am learning in the classroom.

• Work with reference librarians at Durick Library on student engagement programs in order to bring more students into the library atmosphere and to learn and practice community outreach.

• Begin a long-term project in the Essex Community Historical Society and their museum to assess the collection and conduct an inventory to correct and improve its cataloging program and user access.

 

3. Explore the MLIS archives concentration to gain the basic skills needed to work in the field.

​

• Take as many of the archival courses offered online at OU as possible in order to obtain required skills.

• Practice skills in the setting that I volunteer in: The Essex Community Historical Society and  Harriet Farnsworth Powell Historical Museum.

• Gain practical experience by working with the archivist at Saint Michael’s College on archival projects.

 

4. Ensure that I do everything possible to uphold the Bill of Rights of the American Library Association. This includes advocating and promoting outreach to those populations that are underserved, protect intellectual freedom, and support literacy for all.

 

• In whatever institution I become a part of, I will bring my experience, knowledge, and support to aid in upholding the Library Bill of Rights. I will do this by following the core values taught in the MLIS program. 

• I will utilize the tools and initiatives that ALA and the SAA provide.

• I will take any opportunity to continue to educate myself with available workshops, classes, and conferences so that I can bring the latest in user access practices to my work.

 

5. Learn, understand, and be aware of the continually changing library landscape in order to adapt and ensure that I consistently meet all user needs as the methodologies, concepts, and technologies change.

​

• Learn the history of information institutions, where we came from and where we are going.

• Become aware of my community’s unique population and what its specific needs are, and assist in designing and implementing my institution’s services to meet them: strategic plans, usability studies, collection development, and working with community stakeholders.

• Stay involved with outside organizations that inform and teach the latest concepts and methodologies for the field.

 

6. It is my personal goal after acquiring my MLIS, to relocate to the state of Georgia and find employment in either the archival field or public librarianship.  

 

• I will become a member of the Society of Georgia Archives in order to acclimate myself to the state culture and history along with finding opportunities to attend programs and workshops as well as networking with career archivists.

• I will become a member of the American Library Association and Society of American Archivists in order to utilize their tools and programs.

• I will network within the town of Barnesville, Georgia where I plan to relocate to from Vermont. I will introduce myself to the public library, and tour Gordon State College where there may be opportunities for work within their library system or Archives.  I will also inquire about the Barnesville Historical Society and possibly join.

​

​