Reflection

Looking back at the MLIS program at Syracuse University’s iSchool and building this portfolio, I have found that it has been an enlightening experience. As I built my portfolio, I realized just how many of our lessons have built upon each other to help reinforce these topics we have discussed. By building this portfolio, I was able to see how I have grown in my knowledge of libraries and how the frameworks that have been created by the ALA and similar associations have effects on those in the profession. 

Building a portfolio of what I have learned in this program has been illuminating in many ways and I appreciate the opportunities it has given me to understanding my own learning. While compiling my materials from my classes, I found that it could be difficult to find different materials for each PLO without having much overlap. That was difficult for me because I noticed that many of my projects were building upon each other and therefore a project could relate to several PLOs at one time. Thankfully, there were many projects that I completed, so I was able to avoid much overlap and seeing how a project could relate to several reminded me just how important learning and continuing to learn is necessary within this profession. I overcame this difficulty by reexamining each lesson as I looked at the PLOs and doing my best to find different for each one. This led to the easiest part of building my portfolio, I was able to relate many of the projects I have done to many of the PLOs and that proved that they are meant to be built upon each other. 

These experiences have taught me that I enjoy learning and how important lessons building upon each other can be for my learning experience. I have learned that I am someone that also learns best by doing and not just by watching a lecture because it gives me the opportunity to get into the material in a different way. Learning styles can differ between people and by knowing your own learning style can show you how to teach others. By learning these things about myself, I am able to improve upon my own lessons for those that visit the library and I will be able to provide for the patrons in new ways. I have also learned about myself that working with archives and the behind the scenes nature of them is where I thrive when working in a library one day. Though, I also learned that I do have a better understanding of public relations and customer service than I originally thought that I had when I started this program.

I realized that this program is very well structured with the way that the classes build upon each other and that even the electives are often relate back to the core classes. By creating this portfolio, I have learned that the program is well suited for people that have busy schedules because many of these projects are separated into smaller chunks over the course of the terms. I believe the MLIS program is well developed and I am grateful for each moment I have experienced the lessons. I also learned that the library field is often like this program where it will take bigger projects and break them into smaller pieces. As I put together my portfolio, I also learned that the library field has many aspects to it and different places that one can work in the library. This is important because it gives different people the chance to find the correct space for them in the library. There are jobs that work behind the scenes, some that work with the youth, some that work for the accessibility of the library, and other spaces as well. I like that many of these jobs relate to one another, but they all are different from each other in many ways. 

Looking at the PLOs, I believe the ones that I feel strongest in are the second and third. The second one is about understanding the patrons and their communities and I believe this is one I feel strong in because the community is what I relate the most to when in a library. I find that I am strongest in this because I can put myself into the shoes of the patron as I have experience in being a patron of the library and that gives me a chance to understand how to be there for them. I also feel stronger in the third PLO, as it is for design within the library. With a background of design in different ways, I believe this is a strong point of mine because I enjoy creating and designing for the patrons of the library. It proves that I have strengths within the library and even if I may not be the person to deliver a program, I am able to create it with the help of others. However, I could use more work on the others and I look forward to taking the chance to continue learning for these and to continue to work on my own to further my understanding. I appreciate that by putting this portfolio together, I now know what to work on and to improve upon.

Finally, my top 3 points of pride within this program would be that I have learned that learning styles can differ for each person, that I was able to experience different parts of a library within these courses, and that this is space that is open for all and that is welcoming to every person. I am proud to know that I took a variety of courses that would give me an understanding of different aspects of a library and that will give me a chance in many different library settings when looking for a job in the field. On the flip side though, I am nervous about finding a job because of the market being difficult to break into, that I will be put into a position of leadership before I am ready, and that the library will not be able to offer the most equitable materials that I would like for it to have. These concerns are something I feel right now, but I am more optimistic than normal and look forward to seeing how this program and having my MLIS will prove to help me in the future.