Elective Coursework
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For many students, electives are the courses that allow the exploration of special interests and career-specific areas of study. I planned to focus on secondary school librarianship (middle school or high school) and teen librarianship in a public library. Much of my elective coursework reflects this focus.
LIS 5193- Information Resources and Services for Young Adults, Summer 2020
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Goal
Learn about programming for young adults in the library
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Objective
Practice translating teaching theory and practice to the library setting
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Reflection
In creating the Teen Open Mic Nights programming proposal I meet my objective of translating education concepts to a library setting and the goal of learning about library programming by creating a library program where young people practice through doing. A library is a place where teens can learn through experiences and exploration. Teen programming creates a space where young people can be creators and practice skills related to creating and sharing. This is a direct correlation to best practices in the classroom. The proposed program gives interested teens opportunities to practice creating and sharing. Additionally, it facilitates engagement, collaboration, inclusion, and curation in accordance with the AASL standards. This reflects practice with the learning objectives of creating formal and informal learning labs that are teen-centered and fun.
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As the social distancing restrictions relax and we can once again safely host in-person programming we will incorporate the proposed program at the Enid Public Library. This program demonstrates the incorporation of pedagogy into library practice. The program encourages young people to expand their knowledge of their areas of interest through practice. It also sets the stage for peer review and growth through feedback in authentic ways.
LIS 5183- Information Resources and Services for Children, Fall 2019
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Goal
Learn about programming for children in the library
Objective
Practice translating teaching theory and practice to the library setting
Reflection​
With the Storytelling project, I was able to meet my goal learning about children's programming in the library by practicing interacting with younger children in a real-world setting. While my primary focus is not younger children, through this coursework I was able to expand my skill set to include younger children. I was also able to practice skills that directly relate to sharing literature and storytelling. The real-world experience of storytelling with a group of 4-year-olds was challenging and helped expand my comfort zone. By practicing storytelling with younger children, I was able to expand my learning objective of creating engaging, meaningful programming for a variety of library patrons.
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During summer reading programs at the Enid Public Library, I will be using the skills practiced in the storytelling project to help guide teen volunteers who will be working with younger children. The practice of working with younger children also enables me to better work with children in the library.
LIS 5283 School Library Media Center Administration, Summer 2019
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Goal
Learn about the roles and responsibilities of the school library media specialist.
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Objective
Translate theories of education to the library media center.
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Reflection​
The field research project enabled me to achieve the goal of gaining a better understanding of the variety of roles of the school library media specialist by providing a framework for introspection and documentation of the experience of managing a school library media center. During this project I was able to practice The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) standards of include, curate, engage, and collaborate. I also met the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) standards related to learning environments, learning experiences, youth engagement, cultural competency and responsiveness, and equity of access. Additionally, this project helped me to evaluate some of the history of the school library in critical ways and discover ways in which I might improve on current practices.
Field Experience
School Library Administration
LIS 5503 Information Literacy and Instruction.
Summer 2019
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Goal
Gain a better understanding of how the school library media specialist partners with teachers in the school setting.
Objective
Practice partnering with classroom teachers to create a meaningful exploration of research for students.
Reflection​
In creating a research project for middle school students to use in the classroom I met my goal of gaining a better understanding of how the library media specialist partners with teachers by practicing collaborating with teachers and facilitating learning opportunities for teens. This enabled me to meet the goals and objectives related to The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) standards of engage, curate, and collaborate. I also met the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) standards related to learning environments and learning experiences. The interactive website for the Social Studies Research Project can be found at https://sites.google.com/view/ssresearchproject/welcome or by clicking the button below.
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The practice of working with teachers to create the Let's Do Research project has prepared me to work with teachers and school librarians. This project gave me the confidence to offer meaningful collaboration. Additionally, this project was an opportunity to directly apply theories of teaching to librarianship. This is a clear connection in the school library but also should be applied to the public library. Because of the experience gained through this project I have been able to effectively collaborate with public school librarians to support reading challenges and other programs in both the public library and at school libraries.
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