Leadership & Innovation
“Students are innovative, ethical, problem-solvers able to lead and manage through communication, collaboration, and reflection.”
I.A. Students are able to evaluate critically, reflect, and problem-solve individually as well as collaboratively.
LIS 5020 Foundations of Library and Information Science
For this group project, students were assigned a specific existing public policy to review, workshop, edit, and update. Group members were assigned by the professor. Group members submitted individual reactions or “first-impressions” of the assigned policy via Teams discussions. Stemming from this discussion, group members collaborated to make specific changes or updates to the policy, in order to refine existing policies, clarify ambiguities, or add new parameters. It was very enjoyable to work alongside my classmates to assess and strengthen the existing Falmouth Library Card Application and Policies. Each group member heartily contributed to the discussion, made salient points, and edited the policy in turn. I then created the Professional Ethics and Principles map, evaluating the existing Falmouth Library Card Application and Policies. This showcases the collective endeavor undertaken by the group, the improved final product, and my own individual interpretation and constructive criticism.
I.B. Students demonstrate effective communication skills.
LIS 6472 Seminar in Special Libraries
This mock grant proposal, created for Seminar in Special Libraries, showcases my abilities to illustrate and communicate a vital need to a funding agency. The professor encouraged students to select a special library that fell into a different category than libraries selected for previous assignments. I am most comfortable with special libraries related to archives, fine art, or museums. I selected the Marine Biology Laboratory (MBL) and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Data Library and Archives (DLA) due to its subject matter and current collection holdings. I find the intersection of art and science fascinating; the project of digitizing scientific records and specimens is crucial to both ongoing research as well as bolstering historical provenance. Although it is not my subject of expertise, it is something I feel passionately about and can enthusiastically convey to others.
LIS 5120 Cultural Heritage Institutions and Libraries
Key West Lighthouse Site Visit
Dr. Kathleen de la Peña McCook structures her class Cultural Heritage Institutions & Libraries to revolve around engrossing assigned readings, as well as enlightening site visits. Students must visit and summarize their experiences at an art or science museum, a local history museum, and a botanical or zoological institution. I opted to travel to Miami to explore the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). I stayed locally for the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters and the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens. I have travelled extensively and always make time to visit important or unique museums, heritage sites, and special libraries. I devour and evaluate the exhibitions, display methods, wall texts, and explicit decisions (or absences). I was thrilled at the opportunity to do so with classmates equally invested in these assessments and topics. The success of these site visit summaries hinges on the level of detail conveyed to the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed cataloguing my visits for others; I strived to immerse the reader in the experience, while still providing illuminating commentary.
I.C. Students participate in professional and community engagement activities in the field.
LIS 6472 Seminar in Special Libraries
In class discussion posts, Professor Jaime Fogel graciously suggested that I visit Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS)’s Special Collections and Archives. I immediately reached out and promptly scheduled a tour of the collections and facilities. Speaking with Margarita Mirabal was incredibly inspiring and galvanizing. I savored learning about Mirabal’s academic and professional experiences, her determination in spearheading new projects, and her on-going advocacy for her colleagues, collections, and department resources. I greatly admire her and her work.
LIS 6603 Basic Information Sources and Services
I have the immense pleasure of working with Jessica Butt at the Monroe County Public Library (MCPL). She is a dynamic and invested librarian, leading MCPL through system improvements and significant industry changes. It was surprising to reflect on this interview and recollect how much has changed in such a short amount of time. Baker & Taylor is no longer the leading distributor for libraries and has shuttered its doors. In the time since this interview, Jessica has led the transition to utilizing Ingram as MCPL’s primary supplier. I am currently the acting branch manager for the Big Pine Key Library and have worked with Jessica and Anne Rice, the Assistant Director of Systems & Projects, to place preliminary orders for Ingram’s Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). EDI ordering was previously available with Baker & Taylor, but MCPL must set up new EDI ordering with Ingram during the transition period.
I.D. Students demonstrate leadership skills and innovation in a diverse and global environment.
LIS 6409 Introduction to Library Administration
Monroe County Public Library Strategic Plan
I found evaluating an existing strategic plan, then creating my own with new mission and vision statements, to be eye-opening. Robust mission, vision, and goal statements are crucial to an organization’s long-term growth as well as maintaining and cultivating a hale work environment. If these statements are throwaway sentiments, it is difficult for leadership to point to these tenets as achievable aspirations or objectives. Furthermore, frontline library and information professionals will not receive the support they deserve. Succinct, yet significant messages act as solid foundations for all. Professionals will feel supported and confident in their institution; patrons will actively engage in and foster community.
Wellness as a Collective Effort
Genuine wellness is essential to sustained success. An institution’s success depends on its individual employees and their well-being, both at work and in their personal lives. Institutions can provide significantly more support to employees through appropriate compensation, ample benefit packages, flexible schedules, maintaining facilities, and more. I carry this belief throughout my professional life, as both an employee and as a manager. I want my colleagues to feel secure. By advocating for, and providing, abundant resources, I believe that both staff and institutions can reap the benefits of career progression, minimal staff turnover, and sincerely enjoyable professional environments.
LIS 6514 Digital Libraries
Digital Libraries and Challenges to Access
As digital resources surge in availability and take a multitude of formats, between websites and apps, it is important to preserve and promote equitable access to content. This can look like conquering the digital divide between users and programs, providing free or affordable access to the content layer, or ensuring the programs used to access the content layer consider different user needs, such as vision or hearing assistance requirements or preferences. Information professionals must study digital libraries and users’ needs from all angles and act in the best interest of users. Information professionals must be adaptable, attentive, and thoughtful when designing, delivering, and optimizing services and content for users. By doing so, we can aim to provide the best service to the widest contingent of users and colleagues.
LIS 6472 Seminar in Special Libraries
This was such a delightful project. It was satisfying to consider the needs of a well-established institution while exploring methods to connect with new viewers and visitors. The Morgan Library and Museum is a renowned institution; yet it must compete with other New York City staples such as the Guggenheim, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Museum of Natural History for visitors and sponsors. To attract new or returning visitors, branching out into new media or collaborating with different creators can be a boon. Using an upcoming exhibition as the foundation, this marketing plan creates a dynamic partnership between the Library and promoters, meant to reach new and returning visitors through different channels.
