This tag was created by Curtis Fletcher.  The last update was by Sarah Tribelhorn.

Sarah Tribelhorn Portfolio

Program Goal L

For information professionals to remain relevant in their respective fields, it is necessary for them to continually grow and evolve professionally with evolving trends and technologies in the field through ongoing education and learning. This will ensure that they continually meet stakeholder and community needs in information service delivery, ensuring their institutions remain relevant. All fields, including, but not limited to technology, collection management, and metadata, in Library and Information Science (LIS) are rapidly changing, as are the communities that LIS organizations serve. Therefore, it is necessary for information professionals to evolve with these changes through professional growth and development. During the Master of Management in Library and Information Science (MMLIS) Program, I have had several opportunities for professional growth and development, including presenting a Lightning Talk to the University of California (USC) Libraries, running for a member-elect of the SustainRT Committee of the American Library Association (ALA), self-assessment of my strengths through the Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI), and the development of a personal communication development plan (CDP).

Lightning Talk

I was honored to be one of four MMLIS students to present at the inaugural USC Libraries Lightning Talks. This required being mentored by a USC librarian, choosing a relevant topic, and preparing a seven minute presentation on the topic of choice and then hosting questions afterwards. Furthermore, this required the discipline to research the topic, in addition to coursework, and prepare and present a professional presentation. This enhanced both my research and professional presentation skills.

ALA SustainRT Member-at-Large Campaign

During the 2021 election cycle, I campaigned to be elected to the SustainRT Committee as a Member-at-Large. I was not elected; however, the process provided considerable professional growth for me. I had to develop a campaign and promote myself, highlighting my strengths and what I would contribute to the committee. The process allowed for considerable self-evaluation, in addition to networking and relationship-building, and through this, I have subsequently had the opportunity to volunteer for the Public Awareness and Advocacy Committee of SustainRT.

SDI Assessment 

In GSBA 502: Management Communication for Leaders (GSBA 502), I had the opportunity to complete a SDI assessment. The results obtained highlighted my strengths and weaknesses. I found this enlightening, and have applied this knowledge to many situations, both within this program and at work. It has allowed me to be cognizant of my strengths and use these to my advantage in leadership and management roles; furthermore, it has also provided insight into the strengths of other members of my teams, influencing how best to use these strengths to successfully achieve team goals.

Personal CDP

     In GSBA 502, I completed a personal CDP at the beginning of the semester, and had the opportunity to reflect on this at the end of the semester. Subsequently, throughout the MMLIS program, I have reflected on this to document my progress regarding professional communication. My professional communication skills have developed considerably from my first CDP, and I will continue to work on further developing effective communication skills, such as presentations. 

Conclusion

Information professionals should continually work towards enhancing their professional knowledge to remain relevant in their respective fields. This will ensure effective information service delivery. Practical opportunities for professional growth and learning have been embedded in all courses of the MMLIS program, and I have noted my own professional growth and development throughout the program, as illustrated through my willingness to step out and campaign for a position on an ALA Committee, to applying for an opportunity to present a Lightning Talk. Furthermore, I have been provided tools, such as the SDI and CDP, that are invaluable as I embark on a career as an information professional. I am excited by the opportunity of professional growth as a LIS professional, and am committed to being a life-long learner, continually updating my knowledge and skills to enhance my profession.

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