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.

—6271 Research Methods in Lib/Info science (core)

Throughout an entire semester in LIS6271, my group of three students and I, tackled researching LIS professionals’ stances on AI in archival science. While most of our personal ethics were against AI, we each had to put aside our opinions and look at the data as neutrally as possible and come together with different ideas of how to execute research methodologies and evaluate possible pros and cons of AI in the field; this was a poignant opportunity to learn both how to work collaboratively amongst varying digital skill levels and how to critically analyze conflicting subject matter individually. Names were redacted for group members’ privacy.

I.b. Students demonstrate effective communication skills.

—5268 Applied Library and Information Science (elective)

Introducing this paper to my assistant manager at the Barbara S. Ponce Public Library, I used it as a vehicle to renew the Dungeons and Dragons activity that was shut down post-COVID-19. I not only wrote it as the final assignment of my LIS5268 Applied Library and Information Science, but to explain in a down to earth, understandable fashion for a non-player, the complicated mechanics of the game, and to persuade my Youth Services administration to renew this activity via a digital format. I argued this format would be an excellent activity for the digitally native preteen-teen demographics engaged, and would lower the bar for entry and the initial intimidation at the complexity. This paper’s many drafts were a lesson in communicating effectively by paring down language to people unfamiliar with not only the game Dungeons and Dragons, but any subject matter by using points of reference the intended audiences would better understand, whether it be administrative figures, coworkers who need digital help, or customers unsure of the Dewey Decimal system.

I.c. Students participate in professional and community engagement activities in the field.

—6603 Basic Information Sources/Services (core)

Engaging in Palm Harbor Public Library’s Young Adult activities, I was honored to interview a quasi-mentor of mine concerning the breadth of reference librarianship work and interactions, in-house clerical practices, and how patronage needs define a librarian’s experiences from one library to the next. Using my experience as a Youth Services librarian, I compared and contrasted our clerical practices, reference departments, and patron engagements, as well as learned the sheer breadth of experiences a librarian can have from one library to the next. Names were redacted for group members’ privacy.

I.d. Students demonstrate leadership skills and innovation in a diverse and global environment.

—5020 Foundations of Library Science (core)

In writing this essay, I learned, confronted and digested the fact that libraries are not erected in a vacuum, and there are dark blindspots in early—and all too recent—library history. Libraries, while now making efforts to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and intellectual freedoms, used to be the last stop in long processes of censors, turned away people based on race and background, and aligned itself with it’s regions contemporary morals and values. Today, libraries do their best to stand for social justice, intellectual freedoms, access for all, and this essays shows the evolution and executions of diversity in LIS. Every exhibit for Pride month that I have participated in, the translations I have provided for Spanish-language posters, and every outreach effort towards minority communities were built off of the understanding of Library Science’s history and our leading role in our diversified global environment.