Understand the essential nature of information and its relevance to society.
Outcome 2b: Interpret information policies from local to global levels in relation to their impact on intellectual freedom, access, literacy, and information behavior.
In 777: Issues of Access, Advocacy, and Policy we covered the components of successful policies: affirmation, clarity, feasibility, objectivity, and specificity. After lengthy discussion of how each of these components can best be achieved, we were sent into the wilds of the internet to discover a library policy in need of revision. This was a group project, and our group decided to look specifically at policies that pertained to children and teens. In our search we were pleased to find many policies that used inclusive language, acknowledged the information-seeking behaviors of youth, and stressed equity of access to information. Finding a policy in need of revision became our needle in a haystack. One group member found a policy from a small library in New England. The library served a population of approximately 7,000 people. Given this population size, we puzzled over such mandates as "children shall not press elevator buttons." We discussed and decided that the entire Patron Behavior section of the policy could use an overhaul, but due to time constraints we focused on the Children's Behavior Policy. Our main concern was that the policy language lacked affirmation and clarity. We edited and rewrote the policy to use clear and positive language, remove redundancies, and to communicate that the library is a place where children and teens are welcome. I found this in-depth review of policies to be fascinating. I also found that a better understanding of policy language has made me a better judge of libraries in my job search. I have found that libraries that do not align with my professional philosophy are easy to identify by their policies.
In 777: Issues of Access, Advocacy, and Policy we covered the components of successful policies: affirmation, clarity, feasibility, objectivity, and specificity. After lengthy discussion of how each of these components can best be achieved, we were sent into the wilds of the internet to discover a library policy in need of revision. This was a group project, and our group decided to look specifically at policies that pertained to children and teens. In our search we were pleased to find many policies that used inclusive language, acknowledged the information-seeking behaviors of youth, and stressed equity of access to information. Finding a policy in need of revision became our needle in a haystack. One group member found a policy from a small library in New England. The library served a population of approximately 7,000 people. Given this population size, we puzzled over such mandates as "children shall not press elevator buttons." We discussed and decided that the entire Patron Behavior section of the policy could use an overhaul, but due to time constraints we focused on the Children's Behavior Policy. Our main concern was that the policy language lacked affirmation and clarity. We edited and rewrote the policy to use clear and positive language, remove redundancies, and to communicate that the library is a place where children and teens are welcome. I found this in-depth review of policies to be fascinating. I also found that a better understanding of policy language has made me a better judge of libraries in my job search. I have found that libraries that do not align with my professional philosophy are easy to identify by their policies.
Outcome 2c: Assess community information needs and interests.
In 723: Services for Children and Young Adults we were asked to perform a community analysis. The information that we gathered would then be used for our program planning in the remainder of our projects. I learned that a community is more than the population, school districts, and services. A community is made up of businesses, service organizations, the government and places of faith. Community resources include infrastructure and access to green spaces. Libraries need to know the community they serve in order to form partnerships, fill a need, and provide the best services. By completing a community analysis I learned that the Census is good for population data, but Illinois Report Card will give you a more accurate reflection of the poverty level and languages spoken within your school districts. One of the biggest impacts a library can have on it's community is providing the resources and services to help children be prepared to start school. The artifact that I have included is the analysis I submitted.
In 723: Services for Children and Young Adults we were asked to perform a community analysis. The information that we gathered would then be used for our program planning in the remainder of our projects. I learned that a community is more than the population, school districts, and services. A community is made up of businesses, service organizations, the government and places of faith. Community resources include infrastructure and access to green spaces. Libraries need to know the community they serve in order to form partnerships, fill a need, and provide the best services. By completing a community analysis I learned that the Census is good for population data, but Illinois Report Card will give you a more accurate reflection of the poverty level and languages spoken within your school districts. One of the biggest impacts a library can have on it's community is providing the resources and services to help children be prepared to start school. The artifact that I have included is the analysis I submitted.
Outcome 2d: Develop appropriate responses to information needs.
In my final semester I am participating in a practicum at a mid-size south suburban library. In this library there is a preschool play area that contains a great many things to help kids become school-ready. There are blocks and puzzles for early math skills, there are puppets for early social/emotional development, there are iPads with early reading games, and of course there are books and cozy spaces for reading. After a few weeks at the library, I suggested that the preschool play area would benefit from the introduction of a writing station. I was told to draft a proposal, and that is the artifact I have included here. As early childhood experts will tell you, exposure to writing materials and the opportunity to practice will make learning to write much easier on the child. I suggested a Post-Office themed play area to encourage a wide variety of skills that children will need to be school-ready. By offering the opportunity to write as play, children are more likely to explore the tools and materials necessary for writing. This space is currently under implementation at the practicum site.
In my final semester I am participating in a practicum at a mid-size south suburban library. In this library there is a preschool play area that contains a great many things to help kids become school-ready. There are blocks and puzzles for early math skills, there are puppets for early social/emotional development, there are iPads with early reading games, and of course there are books and cozy spaces for reading. After a few weeks at the library, I suggested that the preschool play area would benefit from the introduction of a writing station. I was told to draft a proposal, and that is the artifact I have included here. As early childhood experts will tell you, exposure to writing materials and the opportunity to practice will make learning to write much easier on the child. I suggested a Post-Office themed play area to encourage a wide variety of skills that children will need to be school-ready. By offering the opportunity to write as play, children are more likely to explore the tools and materials necessary for writing. This space is currently under implementation at the practicum site.