Semester I - Concluding Remarks

Well, I've completed this semester and I have a lot of growing to do. Already I know that:
- I need to improve my commitment to assignment deadlines
- I need to re-work my resume in alignment with the suggestions provided by career development modules and industry professionals
- I need to use social media more effectively in networking and in becoming more involved in the LIS industry
- I need to get more comfortable in "putting myself out there" and sharing ideas

A personal professional development program for the next 2-5 years:

Year 1: Join ALIA

Year 2: Attend at least 3 lisprof conferences

Year 3: Read more industry based journals

Year 4: Conduct research into issues including GLAM, advocacy and measuring user needs 

Year 5: Teach others about the importance and value of the information management industry

Statement of career goals/ directions -

I need to get more serious about my future and future profession. I aim to carry out my personal professional development program, become a better networker and investigate the issues important to the LIS profession.  My peers and instructors are supportive and inspirational and it is through these mentors and my unwavering enthusiasm for information management that I hope to achieve my goals. 

Workshop Seven - 24/05/2013

Moving out into the profession

The final INN634 workshop took place in the Gibson Room on campus. I thought this workshop was invaluable in getting an idea of the type of industry professional we should aspire to be and the way we should conduct ourselves as library and information professionals. The variation of roles and responsibilities that were presented by the different speakers also made me realise the expanse and better understand the importance of this profession.

The first speaker was Sue Hutley (QUT). She provided invaluable information on how information professionals should conduct themselves in different situations; within the workplace and at networking events. Ms Hutley gave practical advice as to what LISprofs should do to give the impression of professionalism including knowing the names and faces of industry people. I found the information she provided to be extremely helpful and I look forward to using it in the future.

The second speaker was Silvana Tuhtan (One Umbrella). Ms Tuhtan outlined ways LISprofs can improve their job prospects and write effective resumes. I valued the information Ms Tuhtan provided in regards to addressing selection criteria in job applications and learned that in a job application you should outline what you can do for the company, not what the company can do for you.

The third speaker was Fiona Watkin (Metropolitan South Institure of TAFE). Ms Watkin spoke about service advocacy. I have a lot of interest in this area and appreciated learning about the different ways Ms Watkin highlights the value of the service she and her team provide. 

The fourth speaker was Fiona Doyle (Queensland Health). I was extremely interested to learn about the scope of Fiona's role and what sort of requests for information she receives and the considerations she has to make when providing information.

Aside from learning a lot about various LISprof roles, I was also excited to relate information I'd learned in class to what the panel had discussed.

Workshop Six - 10/05/2013

GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums)

This workshop appealed to me because I think it gave an insight into the direction the information management industry is increasingly heading into; a collaborative space. The models presented by the guest speakers were interesting and I was intrigued by how space was a key component to to developing GLAM communities. The speakers outlined the various considerations made when entering into a collaborative agreement and the roles each area within the collaboration, plays. An overview of the challenges and values associated with convergence was provided and provided quality food for thought: how do you manage personalities of the people? How do you manage the roles within the convergent relationship? How is information managed across different bodies?

I am interested in following up research conducted into this field and will be a keen observer to see whether GLAM convergence will increase over the next decade.

Workshop Five - 26/04/2013

Research led libraries and evidence based practice

This collaborate held workshop looked at the issue of evidence based practice (EBP) and the role EBP can play in libraries. One particular example that was provided was in relation to a library within a school. I was daunted by the amount of work that went into the report outlining what research was being conducted and why EBP should be introduced in this particular case. I was also amazed at the number of considerations that were made including alignment with the library and school's mission and the goals that were hoped to be achieved from the research. I was interested to learn that EBP requires a holistic approach in this instance and would vary from organisation to organisation.

Through this workshop I understand the importance of EBP to the LIS profession and why it assists in ensuring that the service that is provided caters for all parties concerned. I'll be interested to see how this technique develops and whether the reasons for its implementation change over time or become fewer or greater.

Workshop Four - 12/04/2013

A Learning Profession

Several LISprofs presented at this workshop and discussed issues around professional development and networking. There were a number of key things that I learned from the presenters, including:

- Thank the people who help you out on your career path and projects you take on.

- Use social media to network with industry professionals and get involved in industry-related discussions.

- Support the industry and help yourself by getting involved in workshops.

- Keep your skill set current by attending professional development seminars, signing up to relevant mailing lists and reading widely.

I learned that these are all key components that are integral to being a valuable information professional.

Workshop Three - 22/03/2013

What is the library and information science profession?

This workshop was carried out via Blackboard Collaborate. Several LISprofs talked about their perceptions of the information management profession, the work they do, what their goals are within the profession and the future of the profession. It was great to hear candid discussions from information professionals and find out the scope of the roles they are/ were in. I also thought it was valuable when they discussed how they came to be in their respective roles.

Workshop Two - 15/03/2013

Understanding who I am: an MBTI workshop

This on-campus workshop saw the class undertake the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. I had never done a personality test before so I was very interested to find out my result and the related characteristics. Following the test (where I probably took longer than is encouraged to answer questions) I found out that I am an INFJ personality type and that many of my cohort are fellow introverts. There were elements of the outcome that I didn't think related to me but overall the test seem to align with the kind of person I am. I will interested to see if this changes over the course of my life. I will also be interested to see how I can manage certain traits to best suit the workplace and to best interact with co-workers. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop and was interested to learn of the quirks of each respective personality type. I also liked the breakdown of types and the professions they best suit. I encouraged my siblings to take the test and we discussed the outcomes.