MLS Experience
School of Library and Information Management (SLIM)
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MLS Objectives
Professional Values
Course of Study
Reflection Paper

Introduction
In Fall 1999 I arrived at the University of Kansas (KU) to begin a DMA in Trumpet Performance; yet within the year God prompted me to pursue a Masters in Library Science. After testing the waters for six months at the KU Library I began my MLS at Emporia State University, which took me two and a half years to complete.
My current library work at Evangel University includes:
1) Website Development, 2) Reference, 3) Interlibrary Loan, and 4) Information Literacy Instruction in the Music and Psychology Departments. For next fall I have also proposed to work 10-15 hours a week in the Music Library and have developed an online music reserve for a Classical/Romantic music history course. I especially enjoy the creative aspects of my position, exploring new services, and interacting with college students to help them find the information they need.
My other library experience includes: 1) the University of Kansas Libraries as a library assistant in the Interlibrary Loan Department, 2) the University of Missouri Kansas City as a student assistant in Reference, and 3) Rice University as a student assistant in the Music Library.

Though I still consider myself a musician at heart, I see that my heart has expanded to embrace a whole new world that incorporates my other strengths: 1) organizing information, 2) creating websites and information packages, and 3) assisting people. Even beyond the MLS I plan to expand my knowledge and expertise in these areas.
See my vita for more about my background.

MLS Objectives (SLIM's stated objectives, with at least one project listed after each goal)

  1. Articulate a philosophy of client-centered information services based on the epistemological and ethical foundations of the library and information professions Professional Philosophy
  2. Explain and apply interdisciplinary theories and models relevant to managing library and information service agencies Library Organizational Culture | Beyond the Book Conference Paper
  3. Conduct an information needs assessment and design and evaluate customized information services and products based on those needs Church Choir Needs Assessment
  4. Based on a diagnosed need, retrieve, interpret, and/or repakage relevant information resources, and evaluate their use and impact Left-Hand Guide | Music Software Review
  5. Lead appropriate change by using effective collaborative, communication and organizational skills KU Classified Conference | Current Library Work
  6. Teach information literacy skills in order to facilitate effective learning organization Current Library Work
  7. Demonstrate life-long learning skills by continually acquiring new knowledge, skills and perspectives to respond to changing conditions Cataloging Practicum | All Technology Projects (demonstrating my new skills)
  8. Communicate effectively in writing, orally, and in using information technologies Communication Website | Technology Websites & Powerpoints

Professional Values (SLIM's stated values, though also see my professional philosophy)

As reflective practitioners, graduates will demonstrate the following professional values:

  1. Value self and others, i.e., possess confidence in one's decisions and value diversity in its many forms;
  2. Exhibit professional behavior, knowledge, and attitudes, based on client-centered philosophy and ethical guidelines;
  3. Advocate for others by displaying a commitment to quality and equity;
  4. Demonstrate leadership by displaying vision, and adaptability, openness to new ideas, and risk-taking behavior;
  5. Imagine outside the box by demonstrating creativity in problem solving, management, and other professional activities.

Course of Study at SLIM

After two and a half years I completed my MLS from the School of Library and Information Management (SLIM) at Emporia State University. The curriculum upon the time of my arrival required the following: 1) Six Theory Courses (801-806), 2) Four corresponding Tools Courses (811-814), 3) Four Application Courses in four areas (820s-850s), 4) Thirteen credit hours of electives, and 5) A Capstone Course. This is the curriculum I followed, excepting due to a schedule confict, the absence of an 850s application course in Information Management. In Spring 2002 I also successfully passed the Written Diagnostic Exam where I wrote three essay questions on the Information Theory and Practice I had learned up to that point.

Course # and Title (Credit hours)

Spring 2001
LI 801 – Foundations of Information Transfer (2)
LI 803 – Information Transfer and the Knowledge Society (2)

Summer 2001
LI 805 – Organizational Theories for Administering Information Agencies (2)
LI 813 – Basic Print and Electronic Resources (2)

Fall 2001
LI 811 – Inquiry and Analysis (2)
LI 802 – Theoretical Foundations of Service: Diagnosis and Customization (2)
LI 866 – Introduction to Copyright (1)



Spring 2002

LI 804 – Theory of Organization of Information (2)
LI 806 – Global Information Infrastructure (2)
LI 865 – Independent Study/Beyond the Book Conference Paper (1)
DIAGNOSTIC EXAM SUCCESSFULLY PASSED

Summer 2002
LI 812 – Online Information Retrieval (2)
LI 823 – International Information Transfer (2)
LI 839XA – History of Information (2)
LI 862 – Current Issues in Technology: Dreamweaver and
Other Low-No Cost Software for Designing Web Pages (1)

Fall 2002
LI 841 – Advanced Retrieval and Repackaging for Business and Industry (2)
LI 814 – Organizing Information (2)


Spring 2003
SP 830 – Communication Theory (2)
LI 865 – Independent Study/The Digital Music Library (1)

Summer 2003
Music Cataloging Practicum – UMKC (3)
LI 880 – Capstone Course: Assessing the MLS Experience (1)

TRANSFER CREDITS (from 1 year of doctoral study at the University of Kansas)
MHST 759 – American Music History (3)
BRSS 921 – Trumpet Pedagogy (3)

TOTAL: 42 credits

Reflection Paper - This paper entitled "Learning to Dance & Other Reflections Upon the MLS Experience" looks at what I have learned during my MLS Experience. It recaps of some of the knowledge and values I've acquired, and includes a description of the attitude I plan to develop as I embark on my professional career. Also highlighted are some experiences and theories that have shaped my current professional philosophy.
This site offers an overview of 20th Century Library Skills completed by this Information Professional for the Masters in Library and Information Science at Emporia State University.
Last Updated 8/8/03 by Jana M. Borchardt Email Comments