Program Learning Outcome

The Mission and Vision of the UNCG MLIS program is to "connect people, libraries, and information through research, teaching, and service" and they will do this through "an intellectually rich, community-centered program" following the Program Learning Outcomes listed below. (UNC Greensboro School of Education, 2021)

The following outcomes are undergirded by the application of ethics, the use of technology, and the value of diversity.

  1. Connect people to information and information technology, particularly to promote a just and equitable society

  2. Assess and respond to the needs of diverse communities

  3. Analyze problems and propose solutions through the application of evidence.

  4. Utilize instructional strategies and communication in both formal and informal interactions to increase information competence

  5. Advocate for public policies, laws, organizations, and resources that promote a just information society

  6. Embrace change to lead organizational innovation.

  7. Communicate and collaborate with colleagues and communities

Reflection

I came into the MLIS program, having already obtained 2 masters degrees in other education areas. I felt certain with my 15+ years experience in education that this was something that I did not need to do a great job as my school's librarian. How wrong I was! This program has taught me so much about diversity, collaboration, inquiry and advocacy. I am so much better equipped to do the job than I ever would have been with only a background in a classroom setting. The connections I've made and the research and information I've encountered has made me a better teacher and hopefully a competent and professional librarian. I truly feel that the library is the hub of any school, and without a certified trained librarian the school is working from a deficit. The library is more than just the stacks and that is something that I never thought I'd say. I love books and I love to read, but this profession is so much more. It encompasses digital literacy and technology and customer service and community relations. It's literally 6 jobs in one! I have enjoyed this program so much and I know that I have barely begun to learn all that I can to be the best librarian I can. It's a profession where you never truly stop learning. I look forward to my years to come in the library and continuing to learn and grow as an educator and a librarian.

References

American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT). 1998. Information power: Guidelines for school library media programs. Chicago: ALA.


Bishop, R. S. (1990). Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Glass Doors. Perspectives: Choosing and Using Books for the Classroom, 6(3).


Huyck, David and Sarah Park Dahlen. (2019 June 19). Diversity in Children’s Books 2018. sarahpark.com blog. Created in consultation with Edith Campbell, Molly Beth Griffin, K. T. Horning, Debbie Reese, Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, and Madeline Tyner, with statistics compiled by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison: https://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/literature-resources/ccbc-diversity-statistics/books-by-about-poc-fnn/. Retrieved from https://readingspark.wordpress.com/2019/06/19/picture-this-diversity-in-childrens-books-2018-infographic/


Gleeson, B. (2016, November 9). 10 Unique Perspectives On What Makes A Great Leader. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/brentgleeson/2016/11/09/10-unique-perspectives-on-what-makes-a-great-leader/?sh=7a02e1e75dd1


Gregory, J. (2018, July 30). Collaborating With Your School Librarian. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/collaborating-your-school-librarian


Kelly Ahlfeld (2019) Lifting the Curtain: Examining the importance of the Shared Foundation IV: Curate in the National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries, Journal of Library Administration, 59:4, 442-454, DOI: 10.1080/01930826.2019.1593712


Moniz, R. J. J. (2010). Practical and effective management of libraries : Integrating case studies, general management theory and self-understanding. ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral.proquest.com

NC DPI. (2005, August). IMPACT: Guidelines for North Carolina Media and Technology Programs (No. 1). NC Department of Public Instruction. https://files.nc.gov/dpi/impact_guidelines_for_north_carolina_media_and_technology_programs.pdf


Small, R., Arnone, M., Stripling, B. K., & Berger, P. (2012). Teaching for inquiry: Engaging the learner within. ALA-Neal Schuman.


UNC Greensboro School of Education. (2021, February 5). LIS - Assessment. School of Education. https://soe.uncg.edu/academics/departments/lis/about-lis/assessment/