Goal I: Leadership and Innovation

a. Students are able to evaluate critically, reflect, and problem-solve individually as well as collaboratively.

LIS 5020 Foundations of Library and Information Science - Policy Working Group, Part 2

This group project consisted of two parts. In the first part, we were assigned to groups of four or five students to discuss several library policies nationwide. We discussed various aspects of the policies, such as systemic biases and other ethical questions. The attached document shows part two of the project. As a group, we carefully decided which policy to revise to align it more closely with the values and duties prescribed to us as if we were librarians in that institution. To fairly distribute responsibility between ourselves, we each focused on a specific perspective with which we were making our primary revisions. My revisions were primarily focused on providing equitable access to resources for patrons experiencing homelessness and economic hardship.  

b. Students demonstrate effective communication skills:

LIS 6603: Basic Information Sources and Services - LibGuide Presentation

For our final project in Basic Information Sources and Services we were asked to present our LibGuide which was created as the final project for the course. This project allowed me to learn virtual presentation software through Loom. It also gave me an invaluable experience in presentation skills, which I typically struggle with. I was able to hone my communication skills and understand my weaknesses with public (or virtual) speaking. With each recording attempt, and valuable peer feedback, I was able to effectively present my LibGuide which acts as a finding aid for Holocaust liberation and survivor research.

c. Students participate in professional and community engagement activities in the field.

I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the 2023 Annual Conference for the Association of Jewish Libraries. This year's conference provided an enlightening and enriching experience, bringing together passionate individuals who share a deep appreciation for Jewish librarianship, culture, and scholarship. From insightful discussions on the preservation of historical texts to engaging talks on contemporary Jewish authors, the conference offered a diverse range of topics that left me inspired and eager to explore more. I attended lectures in my particular fields of interest, such as eastern european collections and World War II archives. 

d. Students demonstrate leadership skills and innovation in a diverse and global environment:

LIS 6409 Introduction to Library Administration - Project Proposal

For this assignment, we were prompted to identify a problem in a library and propose a project to solve it. My proposal aims to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in a hypothetical library, removing physical barriers and integrating digital accessibility. The proposal includes a potential solution, the necessary resources to execute the project, potential partners in my community, a detailed budget, and a long-term timeline for the project.

LIS 6511 Collection Development - Community Needs Assessment

In LIS6511 Collection Development, my group developed a community needs assessment for a medical library, which is a unique and novel institution for us. Through the strategic selection of key informants — a medical student, a healthcare professional, and a librarian responsible for collection development — this project embraced a holistic approach to understanding the multifaceted needs of the library's user base. This choice exemplified leadership in recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and the importance of inclusivity in decision-making processes. By actively seeking out and integrating feedback from varied user groups, the project underscored a commitment to serving a diverse community effectively. This project required us to manage a complex and significant assessment, from conceptualization through to analysis and strategic recommendation.