Welcome to my MLIS graduation portfolio. In anticipation of the completion of my studies at the University of Washington Information School in March 2007, I created this website to demonstrate how the program prepared me for my future as a children’s librarian. Each page specifically addresses my skills in one of five essential areas: teaching service, leadership, technology, intellect. Please visit each page to view evidence of how my significant experiences at the UW iSchool have helped me to grow in each area.

To fully understand how my experience as an MLIS student influenced me, you need to know a bit about my background. Looking back, it seems obvious I was destined to be a children’s librarian. I was blessed to grow up in a family where education was easily accessible and given great importance, and I had many opportunities to work with children. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Psychology from Western Washington University I worked as a paraprofessional skills teacher at an elementary school until a job in the school library opened. As a library assistant I combined my two greatest loves: children and books. This job provided the chance to learn a lot about teaching and library operations, and whetted my appetite to continue my education in the field.

I had many opportunities as a MLIS student to learn the skills I need to be a contributing member in my field. I learned to write a lesson plan and use methods suitable for teaching in information settings. I gained practical experience in the “real world” by completing directed fieldwork in two different library settings, and also contributed my time and talents to serving the iSchool community. I gained experience leading a team of my peers as president of the student chapter of a professional organization. I learned to develop my own websites, blogs, and wikis. Perhaps most important, I was challenged by new ideas in the library and information science field.