Tara Humphrey
Learning Outcome 1
Apply the field’s foundational theories, principles, values, ethics, and skills to everyday practice.
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Digital Exhibit: Beat Movement
For one of my History classes for my Bachelor's degree, I was able to work with a team of three to create a digital exhibit for the USU library's online page. We collaborated on main themes, sources, and stories.
Our team worked to outline the message we wanted to portray, and spent a lot of time among sources to determine what to display. I was in charge of the literature section, but we all reviewed and edited each other's work to create a coherent whole. This created a condensed experience for patrons to learn about the Beat Movement and be exposed to some of the art and literature that defined it.
Case Study Assignment
For my LIS 60608 (The Public Library) class, we were asked to look at various aspects of a real library to see how they applied the principles we were learning. My case studies focus on the Logan Library, evaluating the effectiveness of strategic plans and leadership.
This three-part assignment demonstrates my understanding of theories and principles of library science. By seeing how they apply in practice to a real library, I am able to see how and why certain theories work. In addition, coming from a fresh perspective of library principles, this assignment allowed me to evaluate the effectiveness of practices in Logan Library and come up with potential solutions for a more effective and efficient library.
Case Studies #1 and #2 discuss the library background and strategic plan, digging into the foundation of the library. Case Study #3 in particular demonstrates my understanding of different roles within the library to ensure effective practices. This assignment allowed me to peek into the necessary skills and capabilities of the director to smoothly run a library day to day. This aligns well with the organizational awareness competency for public librarians.
Programming Assignment
My LIS 60612 (Adult Materials and Services) class gave me the opportunity to come up with a programming event for adults. After research about the community, I developed a program teaching how to balance meals and make food appropriate for a college student.
Working in a library is about more than the books. Programs that teach patrons things they want to know is equally important, and should be gears specifically to the library's service population. This three-part assignment is my own programming idea, based on the college student population near the Logan Library. I discuss my concept and reasoning in the first document, while the second covers the planning aspects -- who to invite, location, time, and other important details. The third document is an example of a handout I would provide to participants.
This project gave me a glimpse into a real program-planning experience, which is an important competency for public librarians. Utilizing the principles I learned in my class, I was able to develop my own program idea. Programs require a lot of planning, and this demonstrates my ability to do what is needed for a successful, exciting, and useful program that is relevant to the library's user group.