IST 511 Reflection Day 5

While IST 511 has come to a close our careers are just beginning. As I reflect on my time at SU I had two epiphanies. First, I reaffirmed my goal to be a school library media specialist. I have big plans to integrate technology into our childrens' education and collaborate with teachers. Schools are the desired venue for this change agent. Schools will be my niche; librarianship is where I belong. This leads me to my second discovery: I am so proud to be part of such an accepting, honorable and diverse group of individuals that serves as the foundation for our intellectual freedom. Our nation is blessed to have advocates of this caliber who share so much of their time, intellect, and values. It is with great anticipation that I may carry this torch forward.

Many thanks to Scott Nicholson, Tasha Cooper, Blythe Bennett and the rest of the Syracuse University ischool staff who made this such a welcoming and ratifying experience.

Spring,

Kate

IST 511 Reflection Day 2

"Learn to learn and be prepared to teach" - Jan Felckenstein '84 MSIRM, Associate Director and Head of Library Information Systems, Barclay Law Library

"If you keep the core value of service to patrons you can knock down library walls." - Steve Schuster '90, Senior Assistant Librarian, Morrisville State

The above highlights were from our guest speakers. I am amazed at what these individuals have accomplished over their tenure - what adventures! They've left a lasting impression on me; warmest thanks to them. Tasha Cooper, Librarian/Bibliographer, Bird Library, Syracuse University, went into detail on searching the SU library catalog and we mulled over the future of searching and what is gained and lost. I find myself harnessing a bit of healthy skepticism. I fear there may be works that slip through the cracks due to indexible terms hinging on perspective. This further justifies our due diligence and responsibility to our patrons.

Now onward fellow students, there's more work to be done.

Spring,

Kate

Syracuse University IST 601 Reflection

One credit under my belt...several more to go. I'm feeling cautiously optimistic as I "officially" embark on my MLIS journey. I managed to fair well on my paper, hold my own in the presentation, but oy vay, so much to absorb. The image of a glass - half-full - is etched in my cerebellum.

I have several take-aways from the weekend. Here are my faves, in no particular order:

(1) I came to the realization that I am an innovative being.

(2) In my future management roles, I aim to create an environment that is based on my values: open, accepting, flexible and empowering.

(3) Cheers to all the professors. From the card game to Dave L's presentation on change, to Martha G-M's advice to presenters I was hooked from the start. Dave D.'s cultural insights and the conversation he elicited from the readings were worth the price of admission. Well...okay, it all was.

Spring,

Kate