When I was an undergraduate student, the library served as a place for my intellectual work. The library was where I talked through ideas, researched and wrote papers, met with fellow students, and interacted with library professionals who had an invested interest in my success as a student. The library’s meaningful services and relevant collections directly supported my learning. Inspired by this example, I set my sights on “information school” and began a series of significant experiences in library and information settings.

 

Before beginning my studies, I worked as an intern at the Central European University Library and the Open Society Archives of Budapest, Hungary. As an MLIS student, I’ve continued to gain library experience, both as a Graduate Staff Assistant at Odegaard Undergraduate Library and as a directed-fieldwork student in an elementary school library. Each environment has opened my eyes to the range of issues facing libraries today, particularly, how to stay relevant, accessible, and meaningful in a rapidly changing information landscape where resources, communication tools, and patron needs are forever in flux.

 

The Master of Library and Information Science program at the University of Washington’s Information School has provided me ample opportunity to explore these issues and build a knowledge base with which to address the challenging work of librarianship. As I near the end of my studies, I’m able to articulate the issues at hand and add to professional conversations regarding the future of libraries. I continue to hold fast to the vision of libraries as a community place that supports teaching, learning, and intellectual life. The experiences highlighted in this portfolio are significant steps towards reaching my professional goal: to hold a position as reference and instruction librarian in an academic institution.